Its primary purpose is to store raw water for treatment and distribution.

[5] The original water treatment plant, designed to process 90 million gallons per day (MGD), went into service in 1929.

The Mohawk plant has been expanded to a design capacity of 200 MGD[6] Lake Yahola also serves as a recreation site, with facilities for boating and fishing.

[4] However, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation states that the docks are closed to the public and that boating is not allowed.

[7] The adjacent Oxley Nature Center is a popular place for bird watching.