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Staff and volunteers past and present are celebrating 25 years since Alton Water was officially opened on the 10th July 1987 by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal.
Built as a source of drinking water for southern Suffolk, the 25-years since have also seen it become a haven for wildlife and a fantastic place to spend a family day out.
Antony Innes, from Anglian Water, who own and operate the site, said: “Drinking water reservoirs, like Alton, provide around 40 per cent of the drinking water we supply to our four million customers.
“With almost ten million litres of high quality drinking water leaving Alton Water every single day to supply homes as far afield as Stowmarket and Felixstowe, as well as nearby Ipswich, you can quickly see just how important this reservoir is to Suffolk.”
Alton is now a well-established visitor attraction too, thanks in no small part to the volunteers and staff who look after its nature reserves and recreation facilities.
Antony continued: “There are loads of reasons to spend a day out at Alton Water. It is one of the most accessible cycling spots in the county and makes a perfect and picturesque picnic spot.
“It is also home of the Alton Water Sports Centre where visitors can try their hand at sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. The reservoir also plays host to the annual Great East Swim.
“Visitors can also enjoy a three-mile nature trail, developed by the volunteers, which takes in woodland, a butterfly garden, a wildflower meadow, conservation areas and ponds.
“Whatever your reason for venturing into the great outdoors, Alton Water has something for you. What better time to visit than in its silver anniversary year."