Campaigning on Water Resources and our Waterways

CPRE Bedfordshire is seriously concerned about the pressures the Universal theme park and associated development will place on water resources and sewage disposal in the area

How is the Government intending to determine the Water and Sewage Treatment Capacity in Bedfordshire and beyond?

We are asking for clarification on the scope and timescale of an investigation and how the findings will be made available for Public Consultation.

Raising our concerns

CPRE Bedfordshire is continuing dialogue with the Government about pressure on local water resources and treatment. In February 2026, we wrote to the Secretary of State (SoS) for Housing Communities and Local Government, highlighting the potential impact of the Universal theme park and other major developments such as New Towns in Bedfordshire. We expect these to add to the extreme pressure on the water resources and sewage treatment capacity in an area already designated as “under severe water stress” by the Environment Agency.

Read our letter here:

CPRE Bedfordshire Universal Park Water Resources Letter to Secretary of State 1 February 26

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) replied pledging their commitment to ensuring that the necessary controls are in place to enable the development to proceed. It also stated that water infrastructure capacity is demonstrated and secured.

Read the letter from the Government here:

Response from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) 10 February 26

We welcome this commitment but given the importance of the matter, we have written again asking the MHCLG for more clarity:

CPRE Bedfordshire follow up letter to Secretary of State 18 February 26

Our features on water supply and treatment in Bedfordshire

You can read more on this issue in our previous news items:

News report – Storm Water Overflows Oct 2025

News report – Water and sewage treatment concerns for the Universal Theme Park