Completed in 1923,[1] the concrete gravity dam and its reservoir are managed by Watercare Services, a council-owned company.

After the 1898 Auckland droughts, an alternative to the Western Springs pumping station was investigated, with the Waitākere Ranges considered the best option.

[2] During the construction of a tramline between the construction site and the wharf at Big Muddy Creek, a freak accident occurred during blasting when a stray rock flew 100m into the site office, killing contractor William Langlands.

[2] Construction was slow due to high rainfall and flooding in the area, and a lack of labour and resources because of the outbreak of World War I, but the dam was eventually finished in 1923.

The Nihotupu Tramline built during the construction of the dam was later used for the Watercare-run Rainforest Express tourist attraction.