Aquamation: The Water Based Cremation Alternative Explained

What Is Aquamation

Aquamation is the common name for alkaline hydrolysis, a process that uses water, alkaline chemicals, heat, and gentle agitation to reduce a human body to bone. The scientific term is alkaline hydrolysis, but the funeral industry has adopted the more approachable names aquamation and water cremation to help families understand the process.

The technology has been used for decades in medical and veterinary settings for the disposal of donated bodies and animal remains. Its application to commercial funeral services for human remains is more recent, having become available in some states starting around 2011. Interest has grown steadily as families seek alternatives that align with environmental values.

How Aquamation Works

The body is placed in a stainless steel vessel that is filled with a solution of water and potassium hydroxide, an alkaline chemical. The solution is heated to approximately 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is well below the 1,400 to 1,800 degrees used in flame cremation. Gentle water circulation moves the solution around the body throughout the process.

Over the course of four to six hours for a standard cycle, the combination of water, heat, and alkali breaks down all soft tissue, leaving only the mineral bone structure behind. The resulting liquid is a sterile solution of amino acids, peptides, sugars, and salts. This effluent is safely released into the wastewater system, where it is treated like any other organic waste.

The remaining bones are dried and processed into a fine white powder that looks similar to, but is slightly different from, traditional cremated remains. The powder is typically lighter in color and slightly greater in volume than what flame cremation produces. It is placed in an urn and returned to the family.

How Aquamation Differs from Flame Cremation

The most fundamental difference is the method of reduction. Flame cremation uses intense heat from burning natural gas to reduce the body, while aquamation uses warm water and alkaline chemistry. Flame cremation takes two to three hours and exposes the body to temperatures exceeding 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Aquamation operates at much lower temperatures over a longer period.

From an environmental standpoint, aquamation uses roughly one tenth of the energy required for flame cremation. It produces no direct carbon emissions, no mercury vapor from dental fillings, and no particulate matter. Flame cremation releases carbon dioxide, mercury, and other byproducts into the atmosphere through the crematory stack.

The remains returned to the family are similar in both processes. Both produce a powder made of processed bone minerals. Aquamation typically yields about 20 percent more powder than flame cremation because the lower temperature process preserves more of the mineral content. Medical implants like joint replacements are recovered intact in both processes.

What the Remains Look Like

After aquamation, the bone fragments are dried and placed into a machine called a cremulator, which grinds them into a fine, uniform powder. The resulting material is similar in texture to the powder produced by flame cremation, though it tends to be whiter in color. The powder is clean, sterile, and safe to handle.

Families receive the remains in a container or urn of their choosing, just as they would with flame cremation. The remains can be scattered, placed in an urn for display, buried, or divided among keepsake urns. All of the same options available for flame cremated remains apply to aquamation remains as well.

How Much Aquamation Costs

Aquamation generally costs between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the provider, location, and level of service. A direct aquamation without any viewing or ceremony tends to fall in the $2,000 to $3,000 range. When combined with a memorial service, visitation, or other funeral elements, costs move toward the higher end of the range.

This pricing is generally comparable to a traditional cremation with similar services. In some markets, aquamation costs slightly more because there are fewer providers and the equipment is newer. As more funeral homes adopt the technology, prices are expected to become increasingly competitive.

Some families are willing to pay a modest premium for aquamation because of its reduced environmental impact. If cost is a primary concern, ask providers for itemized pricing so you can compare the actual service fees rather than bundled package prices.

Where Aquamation Is Available

As of 2026, approximately 28 states have legalized aquamation for human remains. The number continues to grow as more state legislatures consider and pass enabling legislation. States that have approved the process include California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon, and many others. Several additional states have legislation pending.

Even in states where aquamation is legal, not all funeral homes offer the service. The equipment is expensive, and many providers are still evaluating whether to invest. Some funeral homes partner with regional aquamation facilities to offer the service without maintaining their own equipment. If you are interested, call local providers to ask whether they offer aquamation directly or through a partner.

In states where aquamation is not yet legal, some families have chosen to transport their loved one to a neighboring state that permits the process. This adds transportation costs, but it remains an option for families who feel strongly about choosing aquamation.

Is Aquamation Right for Your Family

Aquamation may be a good fit for families who want a cremation style disposition with a lower environmental impact. It is especially appealing to people who value sustainability or who feel uncomfortable with the idea of flame cremation but still want to receive powdered remains in an urn.

Religious considerations may also play a role. Some faith traditions that have historically opposed cremation have been more accepting of aquamation because it does not involve fire. However, individual congregations and clergy may have varying positions, so it is worth discussing with your religious leader if this is important to your family.

Ultimately, the choice between aquamation, flame cremation, and burial is a personal one. There is no universally right answer. What matters most is that the decision aligns with the wishes of the deceased and the values of the family. If aquamation is available in your area and appeals to you, it is a gentle, dignified option worth considering.

Related Reading

• What Happens to the Body During Cremation
• Green Burial Options