It was built for Chorley Waterworks by the engineer John Frederick Bateman, who had estimated the cost of the project while working for Edwin Chadwick's Towns Improvement Company, and had then acted as Engineer for the project.

The outlet consisted of a pipe running through the dam, and supported by two masonry piers where it ran through the central clay puddle.

The outlet valve was at the downstream end of the dam, and although this configuration is no longer thought to be good practice, there have been no serious issues with the reservoir throughout its operational life.

[2] Popular with walkers, it forms part of the Anglezarke trail, although it is also accessible from Manor House.

[4] A huge staircase, made from timber, was created between the reservoir and nearby Manor House.