Aqua cremation—also known as water cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, resomation, or aquamation—is an increasingly popular eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation. Instead of fire, the process uses water, gentle heat, and alkalinity to return the body to its basic organic elements. The result is the same as traditional cremation: families receive soft, light-colored ashes they can keep, scatter, or place in an urn.

For people seeking a low-impact, environmentally conscious end-of-life option, aqua cremation offers a natural-feeling process with significantly fewer emissions. It is especially appealing to families who want something gentle, modern, and aligned with their values.

This guide explains how aqua cremation works, its environmental benefits, legal status, costs, and how it compares to other green burial choices. For state-by-state availability, visit our Legal Guide.

What Aqua Cremation Is

Aqua cremation is a water-based method of final disposition. It uses a mixture of water and alkaline salts—typically potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide—to accelerate the natural breakdown of soft tissues. The process takes place inside a stainless-steel vessel designed for safety, sanitation, and complete containment.

Contrary to common misconceptions, this is not boiling, not acid, and not melting. It’s essentially a highly controlled, accelerated version of what would naturally occur in soil over months or years.

After the process is complete:

The soft tissues have returned to organic components
The bones remain, just as in flame cremation
The bones are dried and processed into ashes
The ashes are returned to the family

The core difference from fire-based cremation is simply the method, not the outcome.

How the Aqua Cremation Process Works

Aqua cremation is technically advanced, but the steps are clear and gentle. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

1. Preparation of the Body

The body is respectfully prepared, much like flame cremation. Embalming is not required—an important consideration for families seeking a more natural approach.

2. Placement in a Stainless-Steel Vessel

The body is placed into a horizontal water chamber made of medical-grade stainless steel. The vessel is sealed.

3. Addition of Water and Alkali

The chamber is filled with water and a small amount of alkaline material. The alkalinity mimics the chemistry of natural decomposition.

4. Gentle Heat and Pressure

The vessel warms to a low temperature—not boiling, but warm enough to support the process. Pressure keeps the water in a liquid state and ensures complete sanitation.

5. Natural Breakdown of Soft Tissues

Over several hours, the mixture breaks soft tissues down into simple organic elements such as amino acids and nutrients. This is the same chemistry as natural soil-based decomposition, but accelerated.

6. Rinse, Dry, and Process the Remaining Bones

Once the process is finished, only the bone fragments remain. They are rinsed, dried, and processed into a fine ash—nearly identical in appearance and texture to ashes from flame cremation, though often lighter in color.

7. Ashes Returned to the Family

Families receive the ashes in an urn, just as they would with flame cremation.

8. Handling of the Liquid

The remaining liquid is completely sterile and contains no DNA. It consists of water and basic organic molecules. It is safely handled through regulated municipal wastewater systems—similar to the sterile effluent from hospitals and laboratories.

This entire process is secure, sealed, and respectful. Many families appreciate that there is no flame, no smoke, and no combustion.

Environmental Benefits

The environmental appeal of aqua cremation is one of the primary reasons families choose it. Compared to flame cremation, burial vaults, embalming, or traditional funerals, the carbon footprint is dramatically smaller.

Here are the key benefits:

1. Lower Carbon Emissions

Aqua cremation produces up to 90% fewer carbon emissions than traditional cremation because:

There is no burning
There are no fossil fuels
There are no airborne particulates
There is no smoke or exhaust

This makes it one of the lowest-carbon final disposition methods available today.

2. Energy Efficiency

Traditional cremation requires temperatures above 1,600°F.
Aqua cremation uses much lower temperatures, which means:

Less energy is required
More consistent energy consumption
No spike loads from furnace heating

The process is both efficient and predictable.

3. No Mercury or Air Pollution

One of the invisible environmental impacts of flame cremation is mercury release from dental fillings. Aqua cremation prevents that entirely.

No mercury enters the air
No particulate pollution
No smoke
No chemical emissions

All metals (fillings, implants, jewelry) can be recovered and recycled afterward.

4. Clarifying Water Use

A frequent question: “Does aqua cremation use too much water?”

In reality, the total water use is roughly equivalent to a single household’s daily water consumption. And because the water is part of a sealed system, the process is controlled and regulated.

5. No Embalming Chemicals

Aqua cremation aligns with natural burial principles because it removes the need for embalming in most cases. That means:

No formaldehyde
No preservative chemicals
No environmental residues
Lower cost and lower impact

It fits well within the broader category of green end-of-life practices.

Safety and Handling of the Liquid

One of the most misunderstood aspects of aqua cremation is the liquid byproduct.

Here’s what it actually is:

100% sterile
Contains amino acids, sugars, nutrients
Contains no soft tissue, DNA, or harmful pathogens
Neutral pH after processing
Similar to sterilized medical wastewater

Municipal water treatment systems handle this effluent safely, just as they treat hospital sterilization fluids. It meets strict regulatory requirements and cannot be recognized as human remains in any form.

For families who feel uncertain, it may help to think of the process as similar to medical sanitation systems—quiet, controlled, fully regulated.

Legal Status by State

Aqua cremation is legal in an increasing number of U.S. states, and the list continues to grow as more legislatures consider eco-friendly options. Some states have full authorization, while others have bills in progress or awaiting regulatory approval.

In some regions, traditional funeral industry lobbying has slowed implementation, but public demand is rapidly shifting the landscape.

For the most current details, visit our State-by-State Legal Guide (linked internally).

Costs and Transparency

Costs vary by region, but aqua cremation is typically:

$1,500–$3,500 in most areas
Slightly more than flame cremation
Less expensive than a traditional burial

Here is a typical price breakdown:

Base Fee

Covers the process itself and use of the facility.

Transportation

Pickup and transfer of the body.

Permits and Paperwork

Death certificate, authorization forms, dispositions permits.

Urn

Often includes a simple container; decorative urns cost extra.

Optional Services

Witnessing the process
Viewing before cremation
Memorial or celebration of life services
Upgraded urns or keepsakes

For more details, see our Costs & Transparency page.

How to Choose a Provider

Because aqua cremation facilities are still relatively new, choosing the right provider matters. Here’s what families should look for:

✔ Licensed Facility

Confirm they have proper licensing and trained staff.

✔ On-site vs. Off-site

Some funeral homes transport the body to another facility; others operate their own aqua cremation chamber.

✔ Transparent Pricing

Everything should be clearly itemized.

✔ Environmental Practices

Some facilities offer energy-efficient systems or partner with green organizations.

✔ Reviews & Family Testimonials

Look for recent, local reviews—especially those mentioning compassion and clarity.

✔ Witness Options

Some families appreciate participating or viewing a portion of the process.

✔ Cultural or Religious Considerations

Ask how they support your family’s values or traditions.

Aqua cremation is still new enough that asking questions is expected and welcomed.

Planning a Service with Aqua Cremation

Aqua cremation can be paired with any type of funeral or memorial service. It is compatible with both traditional and modern practices.

Families commonly choose:

Simple home-based services
Celebrations of life
Eco-conscious gatherings
Scattering ceremonies at sea, rivers, forests, or meaningful places
Tree-planting rituals
Biodegradable urn burials
Memorial benches or garden markers
Keepsake urns or jewelry
Community gatherings with storytelling and memory objects

Because there are no strict rules, families can shape something unique to their values.

For planning support, visit our How to Plan a Green Funeral guide.

Pros and Cons

A balanced look helps families understand whether aqua cremation is right for them.

Pros

Very low carbon footprint
No smoke, flame, or air pollution
No mercury release
Gentle, modern process
Similar ashes and memorial options
No embalming chemicals
Accepted in many states and growing
Aligns well with eco-conscious planning

Cons

Not available in all states
Fewer facilities than crematoriums
Slightly higher cost in some regions
Some religious objections
Public misunderstanding may require explanation
Insurance or benefit coverage varies

No green burial option fits every family, but aqua cremation fills an important space between traditional cremation and natural burial.

Common Myths & Misconceptions

Because aqua cremation is newer than flame cremation, misinformation is common. Here are the facts:

❌ “It uses acid.”

Aqua cremation uses alkaline salts—the opposite of acid.

❌ “The body is boiled.”

The temperature is well below boiling, and the process occurs under pressure.

❌ “Families don’t get ashes back.”

They do. The ashes are nearly identical to flame cremation remains.

❌ “The liquid is recognizable as human remains.”

It isn’t. The liquid is sterile, safe, and chemically neutral.

❌ “It harms waterways.”

The effluent goes through regulated treatment facilities, just like other sterile medical fluids.

❌ “It’s banned everywhere.”

Legal acceptance is growing quickly across the U.S.

Debunking these myths helps families feel more comfortable with the process.

Comparing Aqua Cremation to Other Eco Options

Versus Flame Cremation

Aqua cremation has far lower emissions
No smoke or particulates
Similar ashes returned
No combustion or high heat

Versus Natural Burial

Natural burial has the lowest environmental impact overall
Aqua cremation requires energy but fewer resources than flame cremation
No land requirements; flexible for families in urban areas

Versus Human Composting

Composting returns remains directly to soil
Aqua cremation returns ashes suitable for memorial practices
Both are low-emission, modern disposition methods

Each option sits along the spectrum of green end-of-life care.

Final Thoughts

Aqua cremation offers a gentle, modern, and environmentally thoughtful alternative to flame cremation. Families receive ashes just as they would with traditional cremation, but with fewer emissions, no smoke, and no industrial feel. For those seeking a meaningful, low-impact option that aligns with green values, aqua cremation can be an excellent choice.

To learn more about planning, legal considerations, and related eco-burial options, explore our guides throughout EcoBurial.org or download the Aqua Cremation PDF.