The primary purpose of the multi-purpose dam is flood control but it also generates hydroelectricity, supplies water for irrigation and municipal use and improves navigation.

The dam's power plant has a 300 MW capacity and generates on average 756 GWh annually.

The dam sits at the head of a 3,711 km2 (1,433 sq mi) catchment area and creates a reservoir with a capacity of 1,740,000,000 m3 (1,410,641 acre⋅ft).

[4] The dam's spillway is controlled by four gates and at the base of the chutes, flip buckets dissipate the water's energy.

[5][6] Over the eastern part of Jiangya reservoir at 29°35'21"N 110°44'23"E multiple wires of a VLF-transmitter used for transmitting orders to submarines are spun.