Water cremation, formally known as alkaline hydrolysis and commonly marketed as aquamation, is an alternative to traditional flame-based cremation that uses water instead of fire to reduce the body to its essential elements. It is considered one of the most environmentally friendly end-of-life options available today, and its availability across the United States is growing steadily.
This guide explains exactly how water cremation works, what it costs, where it is available, how it compares to traditional cremation, and what you should know before making this choice for yourself or a loved one.
What Is Water Cremation?
Water cremation is a process that uses a combination of water, heat, and an alkaline solution (typically potassium hydroxide) to gently break down the body over the course of several hours. The scientific name for this process is alkaline hydrolysis, but it is marketed under several commercial names including aquamation, bio cremation, flameless cremation, green cremation, and resomation.
The process mimics what happens naturally during decomposition but accelerates it from months or years to a matter of hours. At the end of the process, only the mineral bone remains are left, which are then processed into a fine white powder and returned to the family, similar to what you would receive from traditional cremation.
How Does Water Cremation Work?
The water cremation process involves several stages, all of which take place inside a specialized stainless steel vessel.
Step 1: Preparation
The body is placed in the alkaline hydrolysis vessel, which resembles a large stainless steel cylinder. The body is typically placed inside a biodegradable bag or container. Any medical implants such as pacemakers do not need to be removed beforehand, unlike traditional cremation where certain devices can be hazardous.
Step 2: The Alkaline Hydrolysis Process
The vessel is filled with a solution of approximately 95% water and 5% alkali (potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide). The solution is heated to a temperature between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the system used. This is significantly lower than the 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit used in traditional flame-based cremation.
There are two types of systems:
- Standard temperature: Operates at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 hours. This is the more common system for human remains.
- High temperature: Operates at around 300 degrees Fahrenheit under higher pressure for two to four hours. This is faster but requires more specialized equipment.
The combination of water, temperature, alkalinity, and gentle circulation causes the body's soft tissues to dissolve completely, leaving only the mineral bone remains and a sterile liquid byproduct.
Step 3: Processing and Return
After the process is complete, the bone remains are removed, dried, and processed into a fine white powder. This powder is returned to the family in an urn or container of their choosing. The amount of remains returned is typically about 20% more than what traditional cremation produces because the water-based process preserves more of the bone mineral content.
The liquid byproduct, sometimes called effluent, is a sterile solution containing amino acids, peptides, sugars, and salts. It is safe and approved for release into the municipal wastewater system in jurisdictions where aquamation is legal.
Environmental Benefits of Water Cremation
Water cremation is widely regarded as the most environmentally friendly option for body disposition currently available at scale. Here is how it compares to traditional cremation and burial.
Energy Usage
Water cremation uses approximately one-tenth of the energy required for traditional flame-based cremation. Traditional cremation heats a chamber to over 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit using natural gas for one to three hours. Water cremation operates at much lower temperatures and relies primarily on heated water rather than combustion.
Carbon Emissions
Traditional cremation produces an estimated 400 to 600 pounds of carbon dioxide per cremation. Water cremation generates significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions -- estimates suggest a reduction of approximately 75% to 90% compared to flame cremation. There is no direct combustion involved, which means no smokestack emissions.
Mercury Emissions
Traditional cremation releases mercury vapor from dental amalgam fillings. Water cremation does not vaporize mercury. Instead, any mercury from dental work is captured and can be recycled, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.
Land Use
Unlike traditional burial, water cremation does not require land for caskets, vaults, or cemetery plots. This is an advantage shared with traditional cremation.
| Environmental Factor | Water Cremation | Traditional Cremation | Traditional Burial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Very low | High | Low |
| Carbon emissions | Minimal | 400--600 lbs CO2 | Moderate (casket production, maintenance) |
| Mercury release | None | Yes (from dental fillings) | No |
| Land use | None | None | Significant |
| Chemical use | Alkali solution (safe) | None | Embalming chemicals |
For a broader overview of green disposition options, see our eco-friendly cremation alternatives guide.
Water Cremation Costs
Water cremation is generally priced comparably to traditional cremation, though costs can vary based on location and provider availability. In areas where fewer providers offer the service, prices may be slightly higher due to limited competition.
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Water cremation (direct) | $2,000 -- $4,500 |
| Traditional cremation (direct) | $1,000 -- $3,000 |
| Traditional burial | $7,000 -- $12,000+ |
The premium for water cremation over traditional cremation typically ranges from $500 to $1,500. As the technology becomes more widely available and more providers enter the market, the cost gap is expected to narrow.
Some families find that the environmental benefits justify the additional cost. Others choose water cremation because of the gentler nature of the process, which can bring emotional comfort.
Where Is Water Cremation Legal?
Water cremation legality varies by state. As of early 2026, alkaline hydrolysis for human remains is legal in a growing number of states. The following is a general overview, though regulations can change:
States Where Water Cremation Is Legal
Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming have all passed legislation permitting alkaline hydrolysis for human remains.
States Where It Is Not Yet Legal or Pending
Some states have not yet addressed water cremation in their legislation, while others have bills under consideration. If water cremation is important to you, check with your state's funeral regulatory board or contact a local provider to confirm current availability.
Important Note
Even in states where water cremation is legal, not every funeral home or crematory offers the service. The equipment requires a significant capital investment, and some providers are still in the process of adopting the technology. You may need to search specifically for aquamation providers in your area.
Water Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two processes:
| Factor | Water Cremation | Traditional Cremation |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Water, heat, alkali | Flame, high heat |
| Temperature | 200 -- 300 F | 1,400 -- 1,800 F |
| Duration | 2 -- 20 hours | 1 -- 3 hours |
| Ashes returned | Yes (about 20% more) | Yes |
| Environmental impact | Very low | Moderate |
| Cost | $2,000 -- $4,500 | $1,000 -- $3,000 |
| Availability | Growing | Widely available |
| Implant removal needed | No | Yes (pacemakers) |
| Religious acceptance | Varies | Widely accepted |
Who Chooses Water Cremation?
Water cremation appeals to a range of families and individuals:
- Environmentally conscious individuals who want the lowest possible ecological footprint
- Families seeking a gentler alternative to flame-based cremation, finding comfort in a water-based process
- People with certain religious or cultural values that align with a non-fire approach
- Those wanting more ashes returned, since the process preserves more bone material
- Individuals who want to pre-plan an innovative, modern approach to end-of-life care
The process gained wider public attention when several notable public figures chose aquamation, helping to normalize the option and increase awareness.
What to Do with Ashes After Water Cremation
The remains you receive from water cremation can be handled the same way as ashes from traditional cremation. Options include:
- Keeping them in an urn at home
- Scattering them in a meaningful location (see our scattering ashes guide)
- Incorporating them into memorial jewelry or glass art
- Planting them with a memorial tree
- Placing them in a columbarium niche
The ashes from water cremation tend to be a whiter, finer powder than those from flame cremation, and there is typically a greater volume returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between water cremation and aquamation?
They are the same process. Aquamation is a trademarked commercial name for alkaline hydrolysis, which is the scientific term for water cremation. Other names include bio cremation, flameless cremation, and resomation. All refer to the same water-based disposition process.
Is water cremation safe for the environment?
Yes. Water cremation is considered the most environmentally friendly commercial disposition option available. It uses far less energy than traditional cremation, produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions, releases no mercury into the atmosphere, and generates a sterile liquid byproduct that is safely processed through municipal wastewater systems.
Do you get ashes back from water cremation?
Yes. Water cremation produces bone mineral remains that are processed into a fine white powder, just like traditional cremation. You actually receive approximately 20% more ashes from water cremation because the gentle process preserves more bone mineral content.
How much does water cremation cost compared to regular cremation?
Water cremation typically costs $2,000 to $4,500, compared to $1,000 to $3,000 for traditional direct cremation. The premium is usually $500 to $1,500, though prices are expected to decrease as more providers adopt the technology and competition increases.
Is water cremation legal in my state?
Water cremation is legal in over 25 states as of 2026, with more states considering legislation. Check with your state's funeral regulatory board or contact local funeral homes to confirm availability in your area. Even in states where it is legal, not all providers have the equipment to offer it.
Water cremation represents a meaningful shift in how we approach end-of-life care. For those who value environmental responsibility or simply prefer a gentler alternative to flame cremation, aquamation provides a dignified, respectful, and increasingly accessible option. As availability continues to expand across the country, more families will have the opportunity to choose this innovative approach.