The dam, with a capacity of 190,000 megalitres (6,700×10^6 cu ft) and fed by a catchment area of 101 square kilometres (39 sq mi), is operated by the Central Coast Water Corporation and supplies approximately 93 per cent of water to 300,000 residents in Central Coast Council.

The dam was constructed between 1978 and 1982, formed by impounding the headwaters of Mangrove Creek, a tributary of the Hawkesbury River.

The concrete faced rockfill embankment dam was built due to a rising demand for water from the expanding population on the Central Coast.

[2] This water was then extracted downstream at Lower Wyong River Weir and pumped for storage in Mardi Dam.

It is expected that this link will help protect the Central Coast region against future extended periods of below-average rainfall.

[5] The dam is a popular day trip destination for both locals and tourists for barbecues and picnics, taking about 45 minutes to reach by car from Gosford.