[2] With the completion of the Marina Barrage on 30 October 2008, the reservoir, which contained mainly salt water, became freshwater and started operations at 7 pm on 20 November 2010[3] after a process of natural desalination, when excess water was released out to the sea after heavy rains.

The reservoir was a competition venue for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, where the canoeing and rowing events were carried out.

The on-land staging of canoeing and rowing competitions is along a portion of Gardens by the Bay – a new 32-hectare park next to the Marina Reservoir.

With an extensive water frontage along the Marina Reservoir, the Gardens will provide an excellent vantage point.

The facilities at the reservoir during Singapore 2010 include a boat-storage shed for up to 200 boats, a boat-washing area, toilets and showers, and a doping-control station.