The reservoir has a maximum surface area of 8 square kilometres (3.1 sq mi), and an estimated volume of 0.165 cubic kilometres (0.040 cu mi), of which 0.155 cubic kilometres (0.037 cu mi) is available for irrigation.

Following the dissolution of the USSR, the two countries disputed ownership of the reservoir.

On several occasions, Kyrgyzstan accused Uzbekistan of deploying troops to the area near the reservoir.

[1] In October 2017, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan reached an agreement on the joint use of the Kasan-Sai Reservoir.

[2] According to the agreement, Kyrgyzstan is now the undisputed owner, but the two counties will jointly use it, with maintenance costs shared between the two according to water usage: Uzbekistan will use 90 percent of the reservoir's water and thus cover most of the maintenance costs.