The reservoir collects the water on the eastern slopes of the rainy main crest of the Northern Black Forest, below the mountains of Hornisgrinde, Mehliskopf and Badener Höhe.

The Schwarzenbach and Seebach streams are directly impounded, the water of the Biberach and Hundsbach (headstreams of the Raumünzach) are led by galleries from neighbouring valleys.

The Schwarzenbach Reservoir is a popular recreation destination with the Central/North Black Forest Nature Park.

It is a base for hiking tours and also has facilities for swimming, fishing and windsurfing.

Near the dam wall is a hotel (closed since 2011); in its vicinity is a boat hire stand.