The main purpose of the dam is to supply potable water to the city of Orange.

Built in 1962, Suma Park Dam is owned and maintained by Orange City Council.

At 100% capacity the dam wall holds back 17,290 megalitres (611×10^6 cu ft) of water.

[1][2] Surveillance and dam safety inspections are conducted regularly by the Orange City Council.

[4] In 2011, the Council published a report giving options for raising the height of the dam.