Aquamation is a water-based alternative to flame cremation that's gaining serious traction among families looking for a gentler, greener way to say goodbye. It uses the same natural process that occurs when a body returns to the earth — just accelerated. If you've been curious about what is aquamation water cremation and whether it's right for your family, here's everything you need to know.
How Aquamation Works
Aquamation is the common name for alkaline hydrolysis, a process that uses warm water, gentle pressure, and an alkaline solution (potassium hydroxide) to break down the body over several hours. There's no flame, no smoke, and no combustion involved.
Here's the basic step-by-step process:
- Placement — The body is placed in a stainless steel vessel in a biodegradable container or without one, depending on the provider.
- Alkaline solution added — A mixture of water and potassium hydroxide fills the chamber. The ratio is typically 95% water and 5% alkali.
- Heated and pressurized — The water is heated to around 200–300°F (93–150°C) under pressure, which prevents boiling and speeds up the natural decomposition process.
- Processing time — The cycle runs for approximately 8 to 20 hours, depending on the system and the individual.
- Bone processing — After the cycle, soft tissues have fully dissolved. The remaining bone fragments are rinsed, dried, and processed into a fine white powder — similar to cremated remains.
- Return of remains — The "ash" (technically bone fragments) is returned to the family, usually in greater volume and lighter in color than flame cremation remains.
The liquid byproduct — called effluent — is sterile, non-toxic, and is safely released into municipal water systems, where it's treated just like any other wastewater.
How It Differs from Flame Cremation
Flame cremation burns the body at temperatures between 1,400–1,800°F using natural gas or propane. It takes 2–3 hours and produces carbon dioxide emissions, small amounts of mercury (from dental fillings), and particulates.
Aquamation, by contrast:
- Uses 90% less energy than flame cremation
- Produces no direct emissions or air pollutants
- Leaves 20–30% more bone remains to return to the family
- Is considered by many funeral directors to be a softer, more peaceful process
Environmental Benefits
This is where aquamation stands apart. For environmentally conscious families, the numbers are compelling:
- Carbon footprint: Aquamation produces roughly one-eighth the carbon emissions of flame cremation
- No formaldehyde: Traditional embalming uses formaldehyde, a toxic chemical. Aquamation doesn't require embalming
- No casket burning: There's no need for a combustion-grade casket, reducing materials waste
- Neutral effluent: The water released contains amino acids, peptides, and salts — essentially the same components found in soil
For families who've prioritized sustainability in life, aquamation extends that commitment to their final arrangements.
What to Expect as a Family
The experience of receiving remains after aquamation is very similar to flame cremation. You'll receive the bone fragments in an urn or container of your choosing. The remains are typically white to cream in color (versus the grayish tone from flame cremation) and may be slightly more in volume.
Viewing and funeral services can still happen before aquamation, just as with any cremation. Most providers allow families to hold a memorial service, graveside ceremony, or scattering before or after the process.
Cost range: Aquamation typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500, depending on your location, the provider, and any additional services. It's generally comparable to — or slightly more than — direct flame cremation, though prices are dropping as the service becomes more widely available.
Is Aquamation Legal Everywhere?
Not yet. As of 2024, aquamation is legal in over 20 U.S. states, including California, Florida, Colorado, Illinois, and Oregon. Several Canadian provinces also permit it. Legality is expanding quickly as demand grows and regulations catch up with the technology.
Before making arrangements, confirm that aquamation is available and legally permitted in your state. A licensed funeral home or cremation provider can verify this for you.
Finding a Trusted Provider
Not every funeral home offers aquamation, and pricing and service quality can vary significantly. You want to compare providers carefully — asking about equipment type, processing times, how remains are handled, and what's included in the quoted price.
Mercoly makes it easy to compare and find trusted aquamation and alkaline hydrolysis providers in one place, so you're not making calls to a dozen funeral homes trying to piece together information.
Start comparing aquamation providers near you today so your family can make a confident, informed decision when it matters most.