The reservoir is the largest area of inland water in Suffolk. It covers an area of nearly 400 acres in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to a variety of interesting waterfowl, especially in winter. Local volunteers have set up conservation zones and bird hides.
The reservoir took about 13 years to construct and fill, beginning in the 1960s.
The land that disappeared under the water was mostly agricultural. Two interesting buildings in the area were due to be covered - Alton Hall was lost, but Alton Mill was dismantled and rebuilt at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket.
It is Anglian Water's fourth largest reservoir and was constructed to deal with a local water shortage. It currently provides the drinking water for 200,000 customers.
There is a visitor centre and cafeteria with panoramic views across the water. Activities include sailing, windsurfing, an eight mile rambling route and a ten mile cross-country cycle track.
The reservoir is the largest area of inland water in Suffolk. It covers an area of nearly 400 acres in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to a variety of interesting waterfowl, especially in winter. Local volunteers have set up conservation zones and bird hides.