This is the south east part of Alton Water looking towards the village of Stutton. The dam, spillway and water collection tower are easily seen along with the access road and sailing club facilities in the distance.

The reservoir was built in the 1960's to provide additional supplies of water for Ipswich. When it was planned many people objected to the loss of farmland, houses and the cutting of the main road between Manningtree and Ipswich at Tattingstone. Water to fill the reservoir is pumped via pipelines from the River Gipping at Sproughton (TM 1344). After storage the water is treated and pumped back to Ipswich via pipes inside the Orwell bridge. Apart from providing a regular supply of water the reservoir is also used for a variety of leisure activities such as sailing, wind surfing and fishing.