Constructed between 1850 and 1857 and designed by Thomas Hawksley the well known 'three lakes' of Anglezarke reservoir, Upper and Lower Rivington reservoirs together with Yarrow Reservoir were once the cutting edge of reservoir technology. Hawksley's addition of filter beds to aid with water treatment was somewhat revolutionary and lasted for around 100 years until their replacement in latter half of the 20th Century.

This impressive chain of reservoirs spans the length of several small valleys that were dammed and flooded using seven structural embankments. The often overlooked High Bullough reservoir pre-dates the others and is notably smaller. High Bullough was originally constructed to supply water to Chorley.

Several hamlets, an inn and a church were all abandonned and drown beneath the waters after construction of the reservoirs was completed, together with a large section of the River Yarrow and apparently some beautiful walking country of which local people were especially fond.

The local reservoir system is linked to Roddlesworth and to other reservoirs miles away in the Prescott area and are owned and maintened by the Liverpool water authority.