The lake is named after Edward Farrington, mayor of New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1915–1918, who envisioned the construction of the dam to supply water to his city. Mayor Farrington died while in office, in 1918.
The lake is bordered by East Brunswick, North Brunswick and South Brunswick. It covers about 1.17 km (290 acres) and has a mean depth of 2 meters (6.6 feet) with a maximum depth of 4 meters (13 feet). The lake is accessible from a boat ramp; the only powered boats allowed are those with an electric motor.