Cremation by Water
Aquamation, also called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, uses water, heat, and an alkaline solution instead of flame to break down the body. Learn how the process works, where it is available, and what to consider before choosing it.
What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation uses warm water and an alkaline solution to accelerate the same chemical process that occurs naturally during decomposition.
Over several hours, soft tissue breaks down, leaving the bones. The bones are then dried and processed into a powder that can be returned to the family, much like the remains produced by flame cremation.
How Aquamation Works
The equipment and procedures vary by provider, but the basic process has three stages.
Water and Alkaline Solution
The body is placed in a specialized vessel with water and an alkaline solution and subjected to controlled heat.
Tissue Breaks Down
The process accelerates natural decomposition, breaking down soft tissue while leaving the bones.
Bones Are Processed
The remaining bones are dried and processed into a fine powder that can be returned to the family.
Aquamation vs. Flame Cremation
Both processes ultimately return processed bone remains to the family, but they use very different methods.
Flame cremation relies on very high heat. Aquamation uses water, an alkaline solution, and lower temperatures. Because no body is burned, aquamation also avoids some of the air emissions associated with flame cremation.
Environmental Considerations
Aquamation is often considered a lower-impact alternative to flame cremation because it operates at lower temperatures and produces fewer air emissions.
The process also creates a liquid byproduct that is handled and discharged according to applicable regulations.
Compare the Whole Arrangement
Environmental impact depends on more than the disposition method alone. Transportation, services, merchandise, and what happens afterward can also affect the overall footprint.
Laws & Availability
Aquamation is not available everywhere. State laws differ, regulations continue to change, and even where the process is permitted, there may not be a provider nearby.
Before making aquamation part of your plans, confirm both the current law where the disposition will occur and whether a licensed provider actually offers the service.
Check Current Requirements
Laws and availability can change. Verify current state and local requirements and confirm services directly with the provider before relying on an advance plan.
Costs & Planning
Costs vary by location and provider. Aquamation may be priced similarly to flame cremation or may cost more where providers and equipment are limited.
Ask for an itemized estimate and find out exactly what is included, such as transportation, permits, the aquamation process, processing of the bones, and the container used to return the remains.
Before Choosing a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aquamation the same as cremation?
The final processed bone remains are similar, but the methods are different. Flame cremation uses very high heat, while aquamation uses water, an alkaline solution, and lower temperatures.
Is aquamation legal everywhere?
No. Laws vary by state and continue to change. Even where aquamation is permitted, a provider may not be available nearby. Visit our Local Laws & Resources page for more information.
Can I still have a funeral or memorial service?
Yes. The method of disposition does not prevent a family from holding a funeral, memorial service, visitation, or other ceremony before or after the disposition. Visit our Services & Ceremonies page for more information.
What can be done with the remains?
The processed bone remains can generally be kept, buried, scattered, or memorialized in many of the same ways as flame-cremated remains. See our Cremated Remains page for detailed options and requirements.
Related Topics
Compare Your Body Disposition Options
Aquamation is one of several ways a body may be cared for after death. Compare the choices, availability, costs, and practical considerations before deciding what fits your plans.