It was in operation from 1878 until it was not required with the completion of Fort Canning Reservoir in 1929.

Built in 1878, the reservoir was located in what is modern day Mount Emily Park, located in District 9, next to Istana and close to the areas known as Little India and Bugis.

[1] The location contained a pumping station which was built in 1878, with the British government building two service reservoirs in the 1880s.

[2] The reservoir was also a resort area, surrounded by a park and playground which provided a view of the town.

[3] In 1929, the Singapore Municipal Commission took over the reservoir and its surrounding areas from the Water Department, , and converted the reservoir into a swimming pool and the land as a public park at a recommended budget of $100,000.