Can Bedford’s Water Supply Meet the Demands of Universal Studios’ New Theme Park?
Bedford, UK
As excitement builds around Universal Studios’ plans to open its first major theme park in the United Kingdom, questions are beginning to surface about whether the region’s existing infrastructure, particularly its water supply, will be able to meet the increased demand.
Universal’s proposed site, located near Kempston Hardwick on the outskirts of Bedford, is expected to attract millions of visitors each year. The scale of such a development could significantly increase local water consumption and raise concerns about how the area’s utility networks will cope.
A thirsty attraction
Large theme parks typically require substantial volumes of water every day. This includes water for guest facilities, landscaping, catering, water features, cleaning, and potentially on-site hotels. With Universal’s Bedford project expected to cover hundreds of acres, the daily water demand could exceed anything currently seen in the region’s leisure or commercial sectors.
Local observers have pointed out that Anglian Water, the company responsible for supplying the Bedford area, already faces challenges in managing water resources in one of the driest regions of the UK. Climate change, population growth, and environmental restrictions have all increased the pressure on maintaining sustainable supplies.
Anglian Water’s position
While no official statement has been made specifically about the Universal Studios development, Anglian Water has previously said it is working closely with local authorities and developers to ensure “long-term water resilience” for major projects. The company’s Water Resources Management Plan outlines measures such as new pipelines, leakage reduction, and investment in strategic water transfers, but large, sudden increases in demand could still pose logistical challenges.
A spokesperson for the company said in a recent briefing on regional growth:
“We’re committed to ensuring that any new developments have a sustainable water supply, but this must be carefully balanced with protecting the environment and ensuring existing customers are not adversely affected.”
Local impact and planning
Bedford Borough Council has yet to release detailed environmental or infrastructure assessments linked to the Universal site. However, planning consultations will likely include input from both Anglian Water and the Environment Agency, given the potential impact on local water systems and nearby rivers.
Environmental campaigners argue that the park’s approval should hinge on assurances that water use will be sustainable, for example, through on-site water recycling, greywater systems, and rainwater harvesting.
The road ahead
As Universal’s plans move through the planning process, water management could become a key point of scrutiny alongside transport, housing, and environmental considerations.
If Anglian Water can demonstrate it has the capacity, or the investment plans, to support the project sustainably, the development could proceed smoothly. If not, the company may face one of its toughest tests yet: ensuring that one of Britain’s most anticipated tourist attractions doesn’t drain the region’s already stretched water resources.