What Is Aquamation? The Water-Based Alternative to Cremation Explained
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) is a water-based process that gently dissolves the body using water, alkali, and heat — leaving behind white bone ash. It produces fewer emissions than flame cremation and is legal in 28+ US states.
How Aquamation Works
Aquamation — formally called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation — uses a combination of warm water (200–300°F), potassium hydroxide (an alkali), and gentle agitation to break down the body's soft tissue over 4–6 hours. The process mimics natural decomposition but accelerates it dramatically. What remains is a sterile liquid (which goes to the municipal wastewater system) and white bone fragments that are processed into fine ash — similar to cremated remains but typically whiter.
Aquamation vs. Flame Cremation
| Aquamation | Flame Cremation |
|---|---|
| Water-based process | High-temperature fire (~1,800°F) |
| ~90% less energy use | Significant energy consumption |
| No atmospheric emissions | CO2, mercury, other emissions |
| Whiter, more ash returned | Gray/white ash, smaller volume |
| 4–6 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Legal in 28+ states | Legal in all 50 states |
| Similar cost to cremation | Widely available |
Environmental Impact
Aquamation uses approximately 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct atmospheric emissions. For environmentally conscious families, it is significantly greener than both conventional burial and flame cremation.
Cost
Aquamation typically costs $1,500–$4,000, comparable to flame cremation depending on location and provider. Prices have been decreasing as aquamation becomes more widely available.
Where It's Available
Aquamation is currently legal in 28+ US states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and others. Availability varies by state and provider. BioResponse Solutions, Aquagreen Dispositions, and other providers operate in multiple states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aquamation?
Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation) is a process that uses warm water and alkali to dissolve the body's soft tissue, leaving behind white bone ash similar to cremated remains. It produces fewer emissions than flame cremation and is legal in 28+ US states.
Is aquamation legal?
Aquamation is legal in 28+ US states including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington. The list of states grows yearly. Check current state law before making arrangements, as regulations change.
How much does aquamation cost?
Aquamation typically costs $1,500–$4,000, comparable to standard flame cremation in most markets. Prices vary by provider, location, and services included. Direct aquamation (without ceremony) is at the lower end of this range.
Is aquamation better for the environment than cremation?
Yes. Aquamation uses approximately 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct atmospheric emissions. It doesn't release mercury from dental fillings (a concern with flame cremation) and uses no fossil fuels for burning.
What do the remains look like after aquamation?
The remains after aquamation are white, dry bone fragments — similar to cremated remains but typically whiter and sometimes in larger volume. They're processed into fine powder and returned to the family in an urn, just like flame cremation ash.
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