The works were described by James Morris Gale as worthy to "bear comparison with the most extensive aqueducts in the world, not excluding those of ancient Rome".

Its primary supply is via two aqueducts from Loch Katrine in the north, that are 56 km (32 miles) in length, and can deliver up to 50,000,000 imperial gallons (230,000,000 L; 60,000,000 US gal) a day.

Milngavie itself is situated at almost 120 m (400 ft) above sea level – sufficient to provide adequate water pressure to the majority of Glasgow without the need for pumping.

The reservoirs are a common attraction for walkers, cyclists and photographers, who take advantage of the peripheral walkways that verge on Mugdock Country Park, and offer views over the Glasgow area.

Councillor Duncan Cumming, who chaired the conservation group representing the community during construction of the new treatment plant, said: "The erection of the ugly, high, metal fencing around parts of the reservoir was a knee-jerk reaction by the Ministry of Defence to the 9/11 terrorist attacked in the United States".

[3] In 2010, Member of Parliament Jo Swinson raised awareness of the issue in the House of Commons, saying: "but these so-called security fences around Milngavie reservoir cover only a tiny part of the three-mile perimeter, and as the rest is completely open to the public they serve no practical purpose other than being an eyesore spoiling a beautiful and popular local attraction".