Two brooks, arising at Kingstanding and Bleak Hill, Erdington, respectively, feed first Witton Lakes, then overspill into Brookvale Park Lake (previously known as Lower Witton Reservoir), before reaching the River Tame, and eventually the Humber and the North Sea.

The brooks are natural; the lakes were completed in 1880,[1] to supply drinking water for Birmingham.

Industrialisation and urban sprawl led to the water no longer being fit for drinking, so the city turned to the Elan Valley in Wales for a supply.

[1] The lakes are now maintained as a leisure amenity by Birmingham City Council.

The north Birmingham cycle route runs through the surrounding park.