What Is Aquamation? A Gentle, Eco-Friendly Alternative to Cremation
As more families seek environmentally conscious funeral options, one question is being asked more than ever:
Aquamation is a water-based process that offers a gentle and sustainable alternative to traditional flame cremation. Approved in a growing number of states and countries, aquamation is gaining popularity for its eco-friendly benefits, dignity, and simplicity.
In this post, we’ll answer common questions about aquamation and explain how it works, who it's for, and why more families are choosing it.
🌊 What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation is the informal name for alkaline hydrolysis, a process that uses water, heat, and alkaline solution (usually potassium hydroxide) to break down the body’s tissues.
The body is placed in a stainless steel vessel filled with water and alkali. Over several hours, the solution gently accelerates natural decomposition. What remains is:
A sterile liquid, safe to return to the environment
Clean bone fragments, which are dried and processed into ashes (just like with flame cremation)
The ashes are returned to the family in an urn—just as with traditional cremation, but with a significantly smaller carbon footprint.
♻️ Why Choose Aquamation?
Families choose aquamation for a number of meaningful reasons, including:
✅ Environmentally Friendly
Uses 90% less energy than flame cremation
No harmful emissions, no flame, no greenhouse gases
The sterile liquid byproduct is biodegradable and can be safely returned to the earth
✅ Gentle and Natural
Aquamation mimics the body's natural decomposition process, making it a non-invasive and dignified alternative.
✅ Suitable for All Faiths and Beliefs
Aquamation is acceptable in many belief systems, especially those that value earth stewardship, natural return, and eco-conscious living.
🔬 How Does Aquamation Work?
Here’s a simplified step-by-step overview:
Preparation: The body is respectfully placed in a sealed aquamation chamber.
Process: Warm water (around 200–300°F) mixed with a small amount of alkali flows gently around the body.
Breakdown: Over 6–8 hours, tissues are broken down, leaving only the skeletal remains.
Final Steps:
The liquid is filtered and safely discharged.
The bones are dried, reduced to ash, and returned in an urn.
⚖️ Is Aquamation Legal?
Aquamation is legal in over 25 U.S. states and several countries, including Canada, Australia, and South Africa. However, availability may vary by location, so it’s important to check with local funeral providers.
Notably, aquamation was the chosen method for Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s remains, helping raise awareness about this green alternative.
🧾 How Much Does Aquamation Cost?
Aquamation typically costs about the same—or slightly more—than traditional cremation. Prices vary by location and service provider, but the average cost ranges from $1,500 to $3,000.
Keep in mind:
Some packages may include the urn
Memorial services are optional and customizable
There are no burial vault or casket costs unless you choose to bury the urn
💧 What Happens to the Ashes After Aquamation?
Just like with cremation, families receive cremated remains (ashes) that can be:
Kept in an urn at home
Buried in a cemetery
Placed in a columbarium
Scattered in a meaningful place
Divided among family in keepsake urns or jewelry
🌱 Aquamation for Pets
Many veterinary clinics now offer pet aquamation, especially in cities where it's more widely adopted. It’s a gentle, loving option for families saying goodbye to a cherished animal companion.
Final Thoughts: Is Aquamation Right for You?
Aquamation offers families a modern, respectful, and environmentally responsible way to honor their loved ones. It aligns with sustainable values and leaves a lighter footprint on the earth, without sacrificing dignity or tradition.
Whether you’re planning ahead or making arrangements after a loss, understanding all your options can help you make a choice that reflects your values.
🕊️ Have Questions About Aquamation?
If you're considering aquamation for a loved one—or yourself in future plans—reach out to your local funeral provider or cremation specialist. Ask whether aquamation is available in your area, and what the process entails.
