The natural outlet for excess water is the Ombilin River which flows eastward to the Strait of Malacca.

A hydroelectric project, however, has diverted most of the lake outflow to the Anai River which flows westward into the Indian Ocean near Padang.

A species of fish called ikan bilih (Mystacoleucus padangensis) is endemic to the lake and is harvested for human consumption.

A railway line, which connects Padang and Sawahlunto-Sijunjung, skirts the length of the lake on the eastern side.

This West Sumatra location article is a stub.