Alton Water
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Alton Water (or Alton Reservoir) is a manmade reservoir. It is the largest in Suffolk, with a circumference of over 8 miles.
[edit] Construction
Due to a shortage of water in the Ipswich area in the 1960s a list of 20 potential sites for reservoirs was made with Alton being the chosen site.
The land was mainly farmland, but was also home to a mill and Alton Hall. The mill was dismantled and reconstructed at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket.
Construction and the filling with water took 13 years to complete.
[edit] Uses
The reservoir is primarily used for the supply of water to Ipswich and the surrounding areas. Other uses include:
- Fishing
- Sailing and watersports
- Birdwatching
- Scuba diving
- Cross country cycling
There is a sports centre situated at the reservoir, and also a restaurant and tea room.
