The main purposes of the dam are for potable water supply of the City of Moreton Bay and for recreation.

The primary inflow is Sideling Creek, a tributary of the North Pine River.

The uncontrolled un-gated spillway has a discharge capacity of 710 cubic metres per second (25,000 cu ft/s).

Water skiing is allowed and rowing is another popular recreational activity provided by the dam.

The lake has been used for professional level radio controlled model yacht competitions, although has moved more recently to a pond adjacent to the motor racing circuit at Lakeside Park.