It was enlarged in 1893 by Deacons who used the water to supply Belmont Bleachworks.

[5] The reservoir was drained by its owner, Belmont Holdings, in 2010, despite efforts by local residents to save it.

[4] It had fallen into a state of disrepair following the closure of the bleachworks,[6] and was considered a flood risk by the Environment Agency.

[4] By the end of August 2010 heavy rain had refilled the reservoir, and in September 2010 it was sold for £50,000.

The buyer is thought to be a Horwich-based consortium who will renovate and develop the reservoir for recreational use.