What Is Aquamation (Water Cremation) and How Does It Work?

The short answer: Aquamation — also called alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation, or biocremation — is an eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation that uses water and alkali to gently dissolve the body, producing bone remains and using 90 percent less energy than traditional cremation.

What Is Aquamation?

Aquamation (technically called alkaline hydrolysis or resomation) is a body disposition process that uses warm water and an alkaline solution (potassium hydroxide) to accelerate the natural decomposition process. The body is placed in a chamber with water at approximately 200-320 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on the process used) and the alkali solution. Over three to four hours, soft tissue dissolves completely, leaving bone fragments and a water solution (effluent) that is environmentally safe. The bone fragments are then processed into remains similar to cremation ashes — slightly different in color and texture — and returned to the family.

Environmental Benefits

Aquamation has significant environmental advantages over flame cremation: it uses approximately 90 percent less energy; it produces no direct air emissions (no mercury, dioxins, or particulates — significant in flame cremation); the effluent water is sterile and safe and can be returned to the water system or used as fertilizer; and the overall carbon footprint is dramatically reduced. For people with strong environmental values, aquamation is a compelling choice alongside green burial.

What the Family Receives

The family receives bone fragments processed into remains, similar to flame cremation ashes but often described as whiter, finer, and more voluminous. These can be placed in an urn, scattered, buried, or used in any of the many creative approaches available for cremation remains — memorial jewelry, reef balls, tree pods, and others.

Is Aquamation Legal?

Aquamation is legal in over 20 US states as of 2025, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming, among others. Legalization is expanding. The National Funeral Directors Association and the Funeral Consumers Alliance maintain updated state-by-state information.

Religious and Cultural Considerations

Most major religious traditions do not specifically address aquamation, as it is a newer technology. The Catholic Church generally discourages cremation but has not specifically prohibited aquamation. Jewish law regarding burial may affect some Jewish families' choices. Indigenous communities may have specific views based on tribal traditions. Consulting a religious leader about aquamation is appropriate for families with specific faith concerns.

Cost Comparison

Aquamation typically costs comparable to or slightly more than flame cremation — approximately $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the provider. It is significantly less expensive than full-service traditional burial. As legalization expands and providers increase, pricing is becoming more competitive and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is aquamation?

Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) is a body disposition process that uses warm water and an alkali solution to dissolve soft tissue, leaving bone fragments similar to cremation ashes. It uses 90 percent less energy than flame cremation and produces no air emissions.

Is aquamation legal in the United States?

Aquamation is legal in more than 20 US states as of 2025, including California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and others. The list of states where it is legal is expanding. Check current state law for the most up-to-date information.

What do the remains look like after aquamation?

Aquamation produces bone fragments similar to flame cremation ashes — typically described as whiter, finer, and slightly more voluminous. They can be placed in an urn, scattered, buried, or used in memorial products just like cremation ashes.

Is aquamation more eco-friendly than cremation?

Yes. Aquamation uses approximately 90 percent less energy than flame cremation, produces no air emissions, and the water effluent is environmentally safe. It is one of the most eco-friendly body disposition options available.

How much does aquamation cost?

Aquamation typically costs $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the provider — comparable to or slightly more than flame cremation, and significantly less than traditional burial. Pricing is becoming more competitive as legalization expands and more providers enter the market.

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