The reservoir is very close to Pontypool, Cwmbran and Usk, with the boundary between Monmouthshire and Torfaen running through it along the former Sôr Brook.

The land surrounding the reservoir is run as a country park and supports an R.Y.A-recognised sailing and windsurfing school that operates from Easter to October.

The reservoir supports several varieties of fish – rainbow trout, bream, roach, pike and perch.

Wintering wildfowl include large numbers of wigeon, teal and pochard, as well as goldeneye and ruddy duck, and Bewick's swan and goosander regularly use the reservoir as a roost, the swans feeding by day on Olway Meadows and the goosanders probably coming from the River Usk.

Residents include great crested grebe, sparrowhawk and buzzard, while cormorant and grey heron are regular visitors, and merlin, peregrine and goshawk have been recorded.