These reservoirs form part of the Adelaide Hills catchment, which supplies 60% of Adelaide's water needs in an average year.

The estate, and several reservoirs also to be found on the moors, form an area of beautiful scenery ideal for walking and cycling.

Two large artificial reservoirs, Lake Samsonvale and Lake Kurwongbah, formed its centre.

The three reservoirs (and Lake Manych-Gudilo) form an almost continuous chain, the original course of the river being almost entirely flooded by them.

The reservoir presently forms a conservation pool for flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife, and for the maintenance of normal downstream flows during dry periods.

The reservoir forms the boundary of the states of Goiás and Minas Gerais.

The Krishna River and reservoir form its northern boundary.

The reservoir now forms part of the Southern extension of the Thames Water Ring Main.

The reservoir forms part of the Staines Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The timing of trap formation relative to that of petroleum generation and migration is crucial to ensuring a reservoir can form.