[1] The reservoir was part of a project to increase the supply of water in the area.

It supplies Southern Water's customers in the towns of Thanet and Hastings.

[2] Work to construct the reservoir began in 1973 with the damming and subsequent flooding of the Bewl River valley.

[2] It is now the largest body of inland water in Southeast England.

These include sailing, windsurfing, rowing, sculling, canoeing, kayaking, trout & predator fishing, and paddleboarding.