It was constructed between 1885 and 1893 by Leeds civil engineers Henry Rofe and Edward Filliter to help maintain levels on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

[3] Its capacity is 281,504,000 imperial gallons (1.27974×109 L; 338,072,000 US gal) and covers an area of 39.17 acres (15.85 ha) In order to maintain the water levels of Winterburn and Eshton Beck, there is a compensation scheme.

The amount of compensation water is measured in the gauge house below the reservoir and further downstream at Holme Bridge lock, Gargrave.

In order to maintain the aquatic life in the reservoir, this is monitored daily, and in times of drought the water discharged into Winterburn Beck is reduced.

This North Yorkshire location article is a stub.