What is Aquamation? A Sustainable Alternative to Cremation

Last Updated on: January 15th, 2025

Reviewed by Kyle Wilson

Modern traditions are changing as everything around us, and so is the way people bid their farewells to their friends and dear ones. What is Aquamation? As is now done, aquamation is a modern and environmentally beneficial alternative to burial or cremation. This guide is the complete source of information on aquamation as a method, how it works, what is beneficial about it, how much it will cost, and the legal aspects of it in simple language that is easy for adults and children alike to understand.

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How Does Aquamation Work?

Aquamation, or water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, is essentially a green burial practice that is very close to the concept of cremation. Through the use of water, an alkalic solution, heat, and time it facilitates an accelerated natural decomposition process that occurs in nature. Here’s an expanded step-by-step explanation of how aquamation works:

1. Preparation

– Placement of the Body:

The process begins with putting the body in a lengthy stainless-steel chamber called the aquamation chamber. This enclosure is hermetic to control the environment throughout the process.

– Removal of Personal Items:

Objects with a possibility of interfering with the procedure, including rings, necklaces, or cli- st, including a pacemaker, are removed to ease the process as well as to guarantee safety. This also saves the chamber or the byproducts to be produced from getting contaminated in the process.

– Respectful Handling:

There is maintenance, respect, and careful handling of the body, especially during the preparation phase, as a way of showing respect to the deceased, in accordance with the family’s wishes.

2. Adding the Alkaline Solution

– Solution Composition:

A flow of water blended with an alkali for example potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide is included in the chamber. These substances are legal and can be found in thousands of different products for industrial and domestic usage.

– Purpose of the Solution:

The presence of an alkaline solution helps in a decomposition process because this breaks down all organic materials in the body.

– Proportions and Precision:

Before applying the solution, the right ratio between the components is mixed keeping the size and weight of the body in consideration.

3. Heating the Chamber

– Temperature Range:

Temperature maintained within the chamber is set at 160-180 degrees centigrade or 320 to 356 degrees Fahrenheit. Such temperature is effective in the process so that it can satisfy the intended objectives without endangering the chamber or the byproducts.

– Maintaining Pressure:

Thus the chamber is kept under pressure to ensure that the liquid does not boil and the decomposition is kept under a stable pressure.

– Duration:

The heating phase takes several hours and depends on the size of the body and the type of the aquamation system used.

4. Decomposition

– Natural Process:

The body dissolves during this stage in its natural form and breaks up into its basic components. This does not mimic the decomposition physical process that takes place when a body is buried in the soil but occurs at a much quicker pace due to artificial environmental conditions.

– What Remains:

After this phase, the body is liquefied and the bones become the skeleton of the body. It also comprises only water solute whereby the bones form the solid framework.

– Environmental Benefits:

The process does not emit unhealthy gases or particulates, a factor that makes it healthier than flame-based cremation.

5. Processing the Bones

– Bone Removal:

Subsequently, in the decomposition phase, the remains are retrieved from the actual chamber carefully. They are then washed and drained for some time to get a thru dry feeling.

– Powdering the Bones:

The bones when dried have to be ground manually into a nice whiteness to give the powdered mass. This powder is known as “ashes”, similar to what is produced during conventional burning, or cremation.

– Return to the Family:

The powder is put in a preferred urn that is always selected by the family and is then given back to the family. With the remains, they can be cremated, deposited in the mausoleum, or spread in a location of their choice.

6. Safe Liquid By product

– What Happens to the Liquid:

The residual product is a bio-safe, nutrient-added water for desperate which is a sterile solution for the environment. It includes water, salts, and other substances that form a natural composition of one’s body.

– Environmental Disposal:

This liquid is responsibly released, in many cases, into the public sewer system in which it mixes with other wastewater, and is further treated.

– Eco-Friendly Impact:

They found that, unlike traditional cremation which results in the emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, aquamation results in the emission of no pollutants. The byproduct for the liquid which is obtained after the process is completely eco-friendly and hence advisable.

Pros and Cons of Aquamation

Aquamation also called chemical cremation or water cremation is a substitute for conventional cremation and inhumation. As it is slowly taking root due to its environmental conservation bonus, one needs to understand what it entails before signing up. In this section, there is a detailed look at various advantages and disadvantages associated with aquamation.

- Pros of Aquamation

1. Environmentally Friendly

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Aquamation has half the amount of carbon emissions as this conventional means of handling corpses. Conventional burial discharges carbon dioxide, mercury, and a variety of other pollutants into the earth’s air. Something that aquamation does not do at all is contribute to these in any way and thus is a greener way.
No Harmful Emissions: Unlike flame-based cremation, aquamation does not produce smoke or particulate matter that pollutes the environment. It does away with the escape of toxic chemicals such as mercury vapor from dental fillings.

2. Gentle and Respectful Process

Natural Decomposition Mimicked: Aquamation mimics the process of the transition a body undergoes once buried in the ground naturally. However, it promotes this process faster at the same time respects and guarantees the dignity of the subjects involved.
Less Abrasive than Flame Cremation: Families who are uncomfortable with the process usually refer to flames, thus, aquamation seems more comforting. When compared to traditional cremation, which involves using very high heat, it presents a water-based process.

3. Safe Byproducts

Sterile Liquid Output: Aquamation results in the production of a sterile solution that is full of nutrients and biologically non-hazardous. In many cases, it is released directly into the local water treatment system without any problem.
Eco-Conscious Disposal: The liquid is non-toxic, and some provisions can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way to reduce pollutive effects. A family benefitted from this process since it reduces the effects it has on the environment.

4. Saves Non Biodegradable Items

Dental and Medical Material Separation: In the course of the operation, fillings, prostheses, and implants are singled out from the tissues of the dentition. This reduces the dissemination of unwanted products into the environment as wastes for instance.
Recycling Options: Some of these materials can be recycled, or dumped in a way, that they do not add to the general waste.

5. Lower Energy Consumption

Energy-Efficient Process: Aquamation is much more energy-efficient than cremation, where a body is subjected to steady, high temperatures in order to burn. Half cooking works with that little bit of heat and water to get the same cooking done without having to use a lot of energy.

6. Minimal Environmental Impact

Zero Air Pollution: It does not emit any pollutants into the environment, making the process environmentally friendly to families who are worried about the change in climate and air quality.
Water Recycling Possibilities: In addition, some establishments involved in the process may also reuse the water utilized in the process increasing the process’s environmental impact credentials.

- Cons of Aquamation

1. Limited Availability

Restricted Access: Currently, aquamation facilities are not commonly accessible. A problem with many areas, especially rural ones, is that they cannot support this service due to insufficient infrastructure. Families may possibly need to travel for them to be able to get to a facility.
Specialized Equipment: It does not use the standard cremators, which are simpler such as electric or gas, but involves more complex equipment, like stainless-steel chambers and precisely regulated heating systems. This is because it restricts the flow of providers delivering the service.

2. Higher Costs

Equipment and Operational Costs: Some of the equipment used for aquamation and the general practices involved in the process may make it more costly than standard cremation. Some of the nursing facilities need to adopt complex systems and such expenses are mirrored to family budgets.
Regional Price Differences: However, in certain geographic areas, aquamation can be prohibitively expensive compared to burial and cremation because of the lack of competitors and access.

3. Lack of Familiarity

Newer Process: Because aquamation is a relatively recent technique, it is not as well-known as burial or cremation. The photograph informs families may require extensive persuasion before they relax about the decision.
Cultural and Religious Concerns: They include a prohibition of certain types of burial or cremation due to cultural or religious beliefs regarding the handling of corpses. For instance, some religions might opt for burial since that is customary or believe that it is the right way to bury the deceased.

4. Longer Processing Time

Duration of the Process: It normally takes 8 – 12 hours to perform a process of aquamation depending on the type of equipment used and size of the body. This is much longer than flame-based cremation which normally takes between two and three hours.
Additional Steps: As part of the process, the remains must then be defleshed, de-boned, dried, and ground into powder all of which increases the time required to complete the process.

5. Perception Challenges

Misunderstanding of the Process: It’s ridiculous for some people to understand or accept the act of dissolving a body in water. A lack of knowledge and understanding of the process can work against families when they seek to make this decision.
Emotional Considerations: The learned preferences in traditional methods may make aquamation seem ‘strange’ to families, necessitating overcommunication from service providers.

How Much Does Aquamation Cost?

The cost of aquamation varies based on location and additional services. Here’s an estimated breakdown:

Service/Item	Average Cost
Aquamation Process	$1,500 – $3,500
Urn (optional)	$50 – $500
Memorial Service	$500 – $2,000
Transportation	$200 – $500

- Factors Influencing Costs:

Location: This means that the level of prices proposed depends on the availability of certain facilities.
Funeral Home Services: The charges differ with the provider.
Additional Services: Optional alternatives such as the choice of the memorial or the urn also increase costs.
Transport Fees: Hearings for conveying the body to the facility.

Today, most funeral parlors have offered various options with price breakdowns, so it becomes easier to cater to depending on the family’s financial strength.

Aquamation vs Cremation

Here’s how aquamation compares to traditional cremation:

Aspect	Aquamation	Cremation
Environmental Impact	Lower carbon footprint	Higher emissions
Residue	Sterile liquid	Ashes
Energy Usage	Lower energy consumption	Higher energy usage
Bone Preservation	Bones remain intact	Bones become ashes
Availability	Limited facilities	Widespread availability

Key Takeaway: Aquamation offers an eco-friendly and gentle alternative to cremation, but its limited availability and slightly higher cost may influence decision-making.

Legal Status of Aquamation

Where Is Aquamation Legal?

Aquamation alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation is being accepted the world over as a greener option than burial and flame cremation. Its usage is legal most of the time but relies on the region’s infrastructure legal framework and local culture. The following is a breakdown of where aquamation is currently permitted and its geographic expansion.

This in the United States is known as aquamation.

Aquamation is perfectly legal today in a consistently expanding number of states in the USA because it is now demonstrated that people are becoming not only more aware but also more supportive of green funeral services. Here’s a breakdown:

- States Where Aquamation is Legal

– California

The state legalized aquamation in 2020 as part of its goal to provide green methods of disposal upon the death of a person.
The state is now allowed to opt for this through licensed funeral homes and crematories.

– Florida

It was one of those first states to legalize an aquamation.
This is mainly because Florida has a sensitive environmental conscience and abundant service providers.

– Colorado

Having some of the most friendly environmental legal frameworks, Colorado backs aquamation as an environmentally friendly option for people.
Minnesota
However, there is good news; Minnesota has legalized aquamation giving its residents an environmentally friendly way to bury their beloved rather than cremation.

– Other States

Oregon and Washington: Firms who are most likely to take up green funeral options.
Nevada: Supports aquamation through its environmentally friendly policies.
Illinois, Maine, Vermont, North Carolina, and Georgia: All of them have legalized the process thus opening the opportunities to a wider public.
Additional States: New York and Texas for instance have brought legislation to legalize aquamation showing a growing trend.

- Factors to Consider in the US

The places where aquamation is permitted are different, which means that even in the states where it is legal the number of facilities can be rather limited. Certain areas may have the facilities or service providers required to do the procedure.
More states will join the other in passing legislation on aquamation since the process is still transforming even in the coming years.

- Aquamation in Canada

– Legal Status:

It’s legal to perform aquamation across Canada and the frequency and demand for the process are increasing especially in regions that have advanced legislation with environmental conservation.

– Provinces Leading the Way:

Ontario: The…I found out that many funeral homes in Ontario now find themselves proffering aquamation services as part of their green options.
British Columbia: One of the green provinces in British Columbia has adopted aquamation as one of the methods of handling their dead.
Alberta and Quebec: These provinces have embraced aquamation and more funeral providers are adopting this service.

– Cultural Acceptance:

Thus, more and more Canadians opt for aquamation as this type of cremation corresponds to environmental attitudes and Canada’s intentions to minimize carbon emissions.

- Aquamation in Australia

– Legal Status:

Aquamation is permitted in some states of Australia and territories and is considered both an environmentally friendly solution and an honorable way to bury the dead.

– States and Territories Allowing Aquamation:

Queensland: The first regarding first Australian region that has legalized and started marketing aquamation.
New South Wales: Currently being used across different regions and backed by local funeral services providers.
Victoria and South Australia: Both of the regions have chosen to make aquamation legal in their States, in order to meet the demand of the people who aim at reduction of their ecological footprint.

– Rising Popularity:

New Australians concerned about the environment are openly choosing aquamation as an environmentally friendly process.

- Aquamation in Other Countries

Aquamation is comparatively a young method but, it is evolving in several regions of the world.

- Europe

United Kingdom: Currently people are discussing whether it is acceptable to legalize aquamation. This is why the progressive funeral homes are urging for its adoption bearing in mind the environmental impacts involved.
Scandinavian Countries: With stringent environmental policies prominently noted in the Scandinavian region’s Sweden and Norway particularly being at the forefront in adopting green practices, aquamation is advancing.

- Asia

Japan: There is no shortage of interest in aquamation as people become aware of the constraints on burial space and contributions to pollution, yet the technology is not yet generally available.
India: Currently, because of the implementation of environmentally friendly practices, India is looking into getting aquamation instead of traditional cremation mostly in the cities.

Why Aquamation is Illegal?

1. Lack of Legislation

As we have pointed out earlier, the laws regarding aquamation have not been enacted in many regions.
For new funeral technologies, governments may need the evaluation or official approval system before coming into use.
At times it is not unlawful or legal to perform aquamation since it is not prohibited by specific legislation although it is unav^(9) Brosnan, S. F., & Pritchard, F. C. (2013). Understanding ethylene glycol toxicity and its treatment: A review of the literature. Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care, 23 (4), 399-409.

2. Resistance arises from unfamiliarity

Since aquamation technology is relatively new, it is not well known amongst several lawmakers, funeral providers, and communities.
Hysterical information or misconceptions about the process for instance by arguing that the process is a health risk or is unethical will slow down this process.
Cultural beliefs and conventions or old rites and customs are likely to dominate this one and other more recent processes such as aquamation.

3. Festivity, Culture and Religion

Certain people of different cultures or faiths may consider it improper or unbearable to accept aquamation based on their tenets of burials.
For example, where burial is deeply valued as a practice then there will be resistance to innovations such as aquamation and cremation.

4. Challenges of Infrastructure and Investments

Aquamation mainly uses stainless steel chambers and employs controlled heating systems which consequently are costly to acquire and maintain.
Some geographical areas, that do not have a developed funeral industry, might not focus on aquamation because this requires extensive investments in the construction of necessary facilities.

Conclusion of What is Aquamation?

Aquamation is an efficient, earth-friendly method of making arrangements for an individual’s disease. As compared to cremation, the burial may not be as easily accessible, but with has its advantage that makes it fit for several families. Often an eco-friendly attitude is complemented by the dignified process making it one of the choices for people who search for environmentally friendly options.

FAQs About What is Aquamation?

1. What is the difference between aquamation and cremation?

No in aquamation water and alkali are used to dissolve the body while in cremation fire is used.

2. Is aquamation eco-friendly?

Yes for aquamation, it is a fact that it has a much smaller carbon footprint as well as zero emissions.

3. How long does aquamation take?

It lasts a period of between 8 to 12 hours depending on the size of the body mass.

4. What becomes of the liquid byproduct?

The liquid formed is sterile and harmless hence not a threat to dispose of in the environment.

5. Is aquamation done at a cost higher than cremation?

In the long run, aquamation is almost similar to or is slightly costlier than cremation. Prices vary depending on the location and selected services.

Resources

Iqra Malik

Senior Writer & Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Iqra is a dynamic and insightful senior writer with a passion for life insurance and financial planning. With over 8 years of hands-on experience in the insurance industry, Iqra has earned a reputation for delivering clear, actionable advice that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future. At Burial Senior Insurance, she not only excels as a licensed insurance agent but also as a trusted guide who has successfully advised over +1500 clients, helping them navigate the often complex world of life insurance and annuities. Her articles have been featured in top-tier financial publications, making her a respected voice in the industry.

What is Aquamation? A Sustainable Alternative to Cremation

How Does Aquamation Work?

1. Preparation

– Placement of the Body:

– Removal of Personal Items:

– Respectful Handling:

2. Adding the Alkaline Solution

– Solution Composition:

– Purpose of the Solution:

– Proportions and Precision:

3. Heating the Chamber

– Temperature Range:

– Maintaining Pressure:

– Duration:

4. Decomposition

– Natural Process:

– What Remains:

– Environmental Benefits:

5. Processing the Bones

– Bone Removal:

– Powdering the Bones:

– Return to the Family:

6. Safe Liquid By product

– What Happens to the Liquid:

– Environmental Disposal:

– Eco-Friendly Impact:

Pros and Cons of Aquamation

- Pros of Aquamation

1. Environmentally Friendly

2. Gentle and Respectful Process

3. Safe Byproducts

4. Saves Non Biodegradable Items

5. Lower Energy Consumption

6. Minimal Environmental Impact

- Cons of Aquamation

1. Limited Availability

2. Higher Costs

3. Lack of Familiarity

4. Longer Processing Time

5. Perception Challenges

How Much Does Aquamation Cost?

- Factors Influencing Costs:

Aquamation vs Cremation

Legal Status of Aquamation

Where Is Aquamation Legal?

This in the United States is known as aquamation.

- States Where Aquamation is Legal

– California

– Florida

– Colorado

– Other States

- Factors to Consider in the US

- Aquamation in Canada

– Legal Status:

– Provinces Leading the Way:

– Cultural Acceptance:

- Aquamation in Australia

– Legal Status:

– States and Territories Allowing Aquamation:

– Rising Popularity:

- Aquamation in Other Countries

- Europe

- Asia

Why Aquamation is Illegal?

1. Lack of Legislation

2. Resistance arises from unfamiliarity

3. Festivity, Culture and Religion

4. Challenges of Infrastructure and Investments

Conclusion of What is Aquamation?

FAQs About What is Aquamation?

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