Drone Rules for Alton Water

Landowner Policy & Site Rules

• Drone operations—including launching, landing, or operating on the ground—are strictly prohibited across the Alton Water site without formal authorization.
• The reservoir park, surrounding pathways, and visitor car parks are private property owned and managed by Anglian Water. The company actively enforces a "No Drones" policy for all visitors to protect the public.
• Operating an unmanned aircraft from the ground here without explicit prior written consent constitutes trespassing on operational utility land.

Strategic Priority & Infrastructure

• Alton Water is a critical operational infrastructure asset supplying drinking water to Suffolk, featuring a massive open water body, public trails, and water sports facilities.
• Ground rules are actively maintained to protect public safety on active paths, ensure the privacy of visitors using the campsite and activity centres, and eliminate acoustic threats to the local bird populations.

Operational Security Protocols

• Regular land checks and facility monitoring are carried out across the site by Anglian Water rangers and park wardens.
• Any unauthorized drone operators identified operating from the ground will be approached, instructed to safely land their aircraft immediately, and requested to leave the park.
• Persistent non-compliance or hazardous flying over busy trails, car parks, or water sport launch areas will be reported directly to local authorities.

Permissions & Exceptions

• Ground permissions are entirely unavailable for all recreational, amateur, and hobbyist drone flyers.
• Exceptions are strictly reserved for commercial utility surveys, necessary structural inspections, or pre-approved professional media crews.
• Professional pilots requiring access must contact Anglian Water's management office directly well in advance to obtain formal written permission, submit a comprehensive flight risk assessment, and provide proof of a valid CAA operational authorization alongside commercial public liability insurance.