Why Aquamation is Revolutionizing End-of-Life Care
Aquamation is a water-based cremation process that uses heat, water, and alkaline chemicals to gently break down human or pet remains, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation and burial.
Quick Facts About Aquamation:
- Also known as: Alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation, resomation, bio-cremation
- Process time: 6-20 hours depending on temperature (vs. 1-3 hours for flame cremation)
- Energy use: 90% less energy than traditional cremation
- Environmental impact: 1/10th the carbon footprint of flame cremation
- Remains returned: 20% more ash than flame cremation
- Legal status: Approved in 28 U.S. states for humans, nationwide for pets
- Cost range: $1,295-$3,995 (average $1,695)
This gentle process has gained attention recently when Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose aquamation for his final disposition in 2021, bringing global awareness to this sustainable option. Originally patented in 1888 for processing farm animals, the technology was adapted for human use and has been available since 2011.
The growing demand for environmentally conscious funeral options has made aquamation increasingly popular among families seeking to reduce their environmental impact. Unlike traditional cremation that burns fossil fuels and emits mercury, aquamation uses only electricity and produces sterile, nutrient-rich liquid that can safely return to the water cycle.
As Mortuary Cooler, I've worked extensively with funeral homes implementing aquamation services and understand the unique equipment needs this process requires. My experience in the death care industry has shown me how aquamation represents a significant shift toward more sustainable and gentle end-of-life care options.
Aquamation vocabulary:
- Eco-friendly funeral options
- biodegradable urns for scattering ashes at sea
- how is water cremation done
What Is Aquamation? Definition & History
Aquamation has been around much longer than most people realize. The process was first patented way back in 1888 for breaking down farm animals into fertilizer. Who would have thought that this old agricultural technique would eventually become a gentle way to care for our loved ones?
The scientific name is alkaline hydrolysis, but don't let the fancy term intimidate you. It's simply using water, heat, and a small amount of alkaline solution to speed up what nature does naturally in soil over many years. Think of it as helping along the process that would happen anyway, just in a much more controlled and respectful way.
The real breakthrough came in 1991 when researchers finded that alkaline hydrolysis was the only method that could completely neutralize the mad cow disease pathogen. This findy was huge for scientific research and led to universities adopting the technology. The Mayo Clinic has been using it since 2005, and UCLA since 1995 for processing donated human bodies for medical education.
Pet families were the first to accept aquamation for end-of-life care when the first facility opened in 2007. It took a few more years before funeral homes began offering the service for humans, with the first human aquamation performed in Australia in 2010 by John Humphries, who had developed his machine design just a year earlier.
The process really gained worldwide attention when Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose aquamation for his final farewell in 2021. His choice brought global awareness to this gentle process and showed how it aligns with values of environmental stewardship. As Scientific research on funeral innovations reported, his decision highlighted how this technology offers a meaningful alternative for families.
You might hear aquamation called by different names - resomation, water cremation, bio-cremation, or flameless cremation. They're all referring to the same alkaline hydrolysis process, just different ways of describing this water-based approach.
Aquamation vs. Traditional Burial & Flame Cremation
When families are making end-of-life decisions, understanding the differences between aquamation and traditional options helps make the choice clearer. The basic difference is simple: aquamation uses water instead of fire, and speeds up natural decomposition in a controlled, respectful environment.
Traditional flame cremation operates at extremely high temperatures of 1600-1800°F for 1-3 hours. It requires significant amounts of natural gas (92 cubic meters) and electricity (29 kWh) while producing about 400 kg of carbon emissions per person. Aquamation takes a gentler approach, working at much lower temperatures of 200-300°F over 6-20 hours, using only 9 kWh of electricity and producing just 50 kg of carbon emissions.
The environmental differences are really striking when you look at the numbers. Flame cremation releases mercury from dental fillings directly into the air - about 2.3 grams per person. With 2.4 million deaths annually in the U.S., that's over 190,000 pounds of mercury that could be prevented through aquamation. That's a significant impact we can avoid.
Another practical advantage is that aquamation's lower temperatures don't cause pacemaker batteries to explode, which means medical devices can be safely recycled instead of removed beforehand. This makes the process simpler for families and better for the environment.
| Comparison Factor | Aquamation | Flame Cremation | Traditional Burial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Use | 9 kWh | 29 kWh | Varies (embalming, transport) |
| Carbon Emissions | 50 kg CO₂ | 400 kg CO₂ | 200+ kg CO₂ |
| Natural Gas | 0 m³ | 92 m³ | 0 m³ |
| Mercury Emissions | Zero | 2.3g per person | Zero |
| Land Use | None | None | Permanent plot |
| Process Time | 6-20 hours | 1-3 hours | Immediate |
| Remains Volume | 20% more ash | Standard ash | Full body |
How the Aquamation Process Works for Humans and Pets
The aquamation process takes place in a specially designed stainless steel vessel that combines gentle water flow, controlled temperature, and alkalinity to accelerate natural tissue breakdown. The body is placed in the chamber along with a solution that is 95% water and 5% alkali (potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide).
For human aquamation, the process typically runs for 6-8 hours at 300°F or 18-20 hours at 200°F, depending on the specific equipment and desired processing parameters. Pet aquamation generally takes around 18 hours to complete. The gentle circulation of heated water breaks down soft tissues while preserving bone structure, which is later processed into a fine powder similar to traditional cremation ashes.
The science behind aquamation replicates what naturally occurs when a body decomposes in soil, but accelerates the timeline from 25+ years to less than a day. The alkaline environment breaks down proteins and tissues into their basic building blocks: amino acids, sugars, nutrients, salts, and soap. All DNA and RNA are completely eliminated, leaving only sterile bone mineral remains.
One significant advantage of aquamation is the recovery of medical implants and devices. Unlike flame cremation where pacemakers must be removed to prevent explosions, aquamation's lower temperatures allow these devices to remain intact. The process recovers all metal implants, including the estimated 1.2 million pounds of titanium, steel, and other metals from artificial joints that could be recycled annually in the U.S.
Aquamation vs Flame Cremation: Step-by-Step
The aquamation process differs significantly from flame cremation in both methodology and outcomes. While flame cremation uses intense heat and fire to reduce remains, aquamation uses gentle water circulation and alkaline chemistry to achieve similar results with dramatically different environmental and practical benefits.
Aquamation Process Steps:
- Preparation: The body is respectfully positioned in a stainless steel vessel
- Solution Addition: A carefully measured mixture of 95% water and 5% alkali is added
- Sealing and Activation: The vessel is sealed and the heating/circulation system activated
- Organic Breakdown: Gentle water flow and controlled temperature break down soft tissues over 6-20 hours
- Bone Processing: Remaining bone fragments are dried for 24-72 hours, then processed into fine ash
- Effluent Treatment: The sterile liquid is safely discharged to municipal wastewater treatment
The resulting ashes from aquamation are notably different from flame cremation ashes. They're lighter in color, ranging from white to tan rather than the grayish color typical of flame cremation. The texture is also finer and softer due to the absence of carbonization. Most importantly, families receive 20-30% more remains compared to flame cremation, providing more ash for memorial purposes or sharing among family members.
The drying period is crucial for aquamation ashes, requiring 24-72 hours before packaging. This extra time ensures the bone mineral is completely dry and ready for placement in urns or memorial containers. Many providers use sustainably harvested mulberry bark containers for the initial return of ashes to families.
Why Choose Aquamation? Environmental & Emotional Benefits
The environmental advantages of aquamation are compelling for families concerned about their ecological footprint. The process uses over 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct emissions of harmful greenhouse gases or mercury. Since aquamation relies on electricity rather than fossil fuels, its environmental impact will continue to decrease as power grids incorporate more renewable energy sources.
Life cycle assessments consistently rank aquamation as having the lowest overall environmental impact among all body disposition methods. The process produces no air pollution, requires no fossil fuel combustion, and generates sterile effluent that can safely return to the water cycle through standard wastewater treatment. This effluent actually contains beneficial nutrients that can support water treatment processes.
From an emotional perspective, many families find aquamation offers a gentler farewell than flame cremation. The process is often described as more respectful and peaceful, using water - which comprises 65% of the human body - rather than fire. This water-based approach resonates with families who view it as a return to our natural state and a continuation of the water cycle.
The increased ash volume from aquamation provides practical benefits for families. With 20-30% more remains returned, there's more to share among family members, create memorial jewelry, or use in memorial plantings. The sterile, pathogen-free nature of the ashes makes them completely safe to handle and suitable for any memorial purpose.
Scientific research on environmental impact has consistently shown aquamation's superior environmental profile, making it an excellent choice for individuals who practiced environmental stewardship in life and want their final disposition to reflect those values.
Legal, Religious & Cost Considerations
When it comes to aquamation, the legal landscape can feel like a patchwork quilt across America. Currently, 28 U.S. states have given the green light to human alkaline hydrolysis, while pet aquamation enjoys nationwide acceptance. This means your furry family members have more options than their human companions in many places.
States like California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and New York have acceptd the technology, recognizing its safety and environmental benefits. However, if you live outside these approved areas, you might need to travel to access aquamation services or wait for your state to catch up with the growing trend.
The cost picture looks encouraging for families considering aquamation. With an average price of $1,695, it falls comfortably between basic cremation services and the often hefty price tag of traditional burial. The range typically spans from $1,295 to $3,995, depending on your location and the services included. Compare this to traditional burial costs that can easily exceed $10,000, and aquamation becomes an attractive middle ground.
Internationally, the acceptance story gets even better. Four Canadian provinces, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United Kingdom have all welcomed aquamation. This global accept shows that the technology isn't just a passing trend - it's becoming recognized worldwide as a safe, respectful option for end-of-life care.
The regulatory side involves standard death care licensing, with facilities needing proper permits for equipment operation and wastewater discharge. The good news? The sterile, nutrient-rich liquid produced by aquamation generally meets all safety standards and can actually help municipal wastewater treatment processes.
For the most current information about your specific state, check out More info about water cremation laws to see where things stand in your area.
Aquamation Availability & Pending Legislation
The aquamation availability map keeps getting more colorful as additional states join the approved list. Beyond the current 28 states, six more have pending legislation working its way through their systems. This steady progress suggests that families who can't access aquamation today may have options in the near future.
States that have approved aquamation include Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington, with new additions happening regularly. Each state goes through its own process of reviewing safety protocols and establishing oversight mechanisms.
The regulatory journey typically involves environmental impact assessments and ensuring facilities meet specific standards for equipment, operator training, and waste management. As someone who works with funeral homes implementing new technologies, I've seen how thorough these reviews can be - and that's actually reassuring for families.
Municipal sewer systems need to approve the discharge of aquamation effluent, but this usually goes smoothly. The liquid is sterile, pathogen-free, and has pH levels that work well with standard wastewater treatment. In fact, the nutrient content can actually benefit treatment processes rather than burden them.
Looking north to Canada provides a great example of successful implementation. Their four provinces with legal aquamation show how the technology integrates seamlessly into existing funeral service frameworks. European countries like the Netherlands and Belgium demonstrate similar success stories.
For families concerned about safety, Scientific research on policy has thoroughly addressed water safety questions, confirming that properly treated effluent poses no health risks to communities or water systems.
Cultural & Religious Perspectives on Aquamation
Religious acceptance of aquamation varies across different faith traditions, but many find the gentle, water-based process aligns well with their beliefs about treating human remains with dignity and respect. The absence of fire and the return to water resonates with various spiritual perspectives in meaningful ways.
Christian denominations have generally been welcoming, with some viewing the water element as symbolically significant given baptism traditions. The Catholic Church hasn't issued specific doctrine on aquamation, but individual bishops and theologians typically find it acceptable as an alternative to flame cremation, as long as the process maintains dignity and respect.
Jewish perspectives on aquamation show interesting variation. Some authorities view it more favorably than flame cremation since it doesn't involve fire, which can be important in certain interpretations of Jewish law. Each family should consult with their rabbi to understand how aquamation fits within their specific tradition and community practices.
Islamic scholars have similarly varied opinions, though the gentle nature of the process and absence of burning may make it more acceptable than traditional cremation for some interpretations. Again, individual consultation with religious authorities helps families make informed decisions.
Native Hawaiian traditions have found particular resonance with aquamation, viewing it as a modern version of their traditional imu bone-cleaning ritual. This cultural acceptance shows how aquamation can honor indigenous practices that respect natural decomposition processes.
The green burial movement has enthusiastically acceptd aquamation as part of environmentally conscious end-of-life planning. Families who practiced environmental stewardship during life often find the process perfectly aligns with their values while maintaining meaningful funeral rituals.
Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist perspectives often focus on the environmental benefits and gentle nature of the process. The concept of returning to natural elements fits well with Eastern philosophical traditions that emphasize harmony with nature and minimal environmental impact.
The beauty of aquamation lies in how it can accommodate diverse spiritual and cultural needs while providing the environmental benefits that many modern families seek. Most religious leaders appreciate having conversations about these options, helping families make choices that honor both their beliefs and their values.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquamation
How long does aquamation take and what remains do families receive?
When families choose aquamation, they're often surprised to learn the process takes considerably longer than traditional cremation - but there's a good reason for this gentle timeline. The aquamation cycle runs for 6-8 hours at 300°F or 18-20 hours at 200°F, compared to flame cremation's intense 1-3 hour burn. For beloved pets, the process typically takes around 18 hours to complete.
But here's where it gets interesting - the timeline doesn't end when the cycle finishes. The bone fragments need to dry for 24-72 hours before they can be processed into the fine ash that families receive. This extra time ensures the remains are completely ready for their final journey home.
The wait is worth it though. Families receive 20-30% more remains from aquamation compared to traditional cremation. The ashes are noticeably different too - they're lighter in color, ranging from white to tan rather than the typical gray of flame cremation. The texture is finer and softer, almost silky to the touch.
From the moment your loved one arrives at the facility to when you receive their ashes, the complete process typically takes 10-14 days. Many families appreciate having more remains to work with - there's enough to share among family members, create memorial jewelry, or use in special plantings. The sterile, pathogen-free nature of the ashes makes them completely safe for any memorial purpose you can imagine.
Is the water/effluent safe and how is it treated?
One of the most common concerns families have about aquamation is what happens to the water afterward. The good news? The water produced is completely sterile and safe - it's actually quite remarkable from a scientific standpoint.
The liquid contains only natural byproducts of organic decomposition - things like amino acids, peptides, sugars, salts, and soap. Think of it as what remains after nature does its work, just accelerated. All DNA and RNA are completely eliminated during the process, leaving behind only harmless organic compounds.
During aquamation, the pH level drops from about 14 to 11 as the alkali chemicals do their work breaking down tissues. By the end, no harmful chemicals remain in the water. The nutrient-rich effluent is actually beneficial - it can help municipal wastewater treatment processes by providing useful organic compounds.
This treated water goes to municipal wastewater treatment systems where it undergoes standard treatment before safely returning to the environment. The process uses approximately 60-240 gallons of water and produces 120-300 gallons of effluent carrying about 20 pounds of inorganic solids - roughly 2% of the original body weight. Municipal sewer systems routinely approve this discharge because it meets all safety standards and poses no environmental risks.
Is aquamation more affordable than other aftercare options?
Cost is often a major consideration for families during an already difficult time, and aquamation offers some pleasant surprises in this area. The average cost runs around $1,695, with prices typically ranging from $1,295 to $3,995 depending on your location and what services are included.
When you compare this to traditional flame cremation at $2,200-$3,500, aquamation becomes quite competitive. And when you consider that traditional burial can easily exceed $10,000 once you factor in plot purchase, casket, embalming, and monument costs, the water-based option looks even more attractive.
The reason aquamation can be priced competitively comes down to operating efficiency. One study found it costs about $116.40 in materials, maintenance, and labor to process 2,000 pounds of remains. The main expenses are electricity for heating and circulation, water, and the alkali chemicals. Since the process uses 90% less energy than flame cremation, those savings get passed along to families.
Many funeral homes bundle aquamation into comprehensive service packages, and some offer financing options to make it more accessible. When you factor in the environmental benefits and the 20-30% more remains you receive for memorial purposes, families often feel they're getting exceptional value for their investment.
Conclusion
The journey toward sustainable death care has found its path through aquamation, a gentle process that honors both our loved ones and the planet we leave behind. This water-based alternative offers families something truly meaningful - a way to say goodbye that reflects their values while providing the closure they need.
What makes aquamation so compelling isn't just the impressive statistics, though they certainly matter. The 90% reduction in energy use, the elimination of harmful emissions, and the 20% increase in remains returned to families all tell an important story. But the real impact lies in how this process aligns with how we want to live - and how we want to be remembered.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we've had a front-row seat to this change. From our base in Tennessee, we've watched funeral homes across the country - from California to the East Coast - accept aquamation technology. The families we serve through our funeral home partners consistently express gratitude for having this option available during some of their most difficult moments.
The legal momentum continues building, with 28 states now welcoming aquamation for human remains and more legislation moving forward each year. Religious communities are finding peace with this gentle approach, often noting how water holds deep spiritual significance across many faith traditions. Even the economics work in families' favor, with costs that compete directly with traditional cremation while offering superior environmental benefits.
Perhaps most importantly, aquamation gives families agency in their choices. It allows them to extend their environmental stewardship beyond their lifetime, creating a legacy that future generations can respect. Choosing water over fire isn't just about the process - it's about the values that choice represents.
For funeral directors considering adding aquamation services, the specialized equipment requirements are significant but manageable. Our team understands the unique cooling and preparation needs that make these services successful. We've helped funeral homes steer the transition, ensuring they can offer families this meaningful option with confidence.
The future of death care is being written today, and aquamation is leading that story toward sustainability and respect. As more families find this gentle alternative, we're proud to support the funeral professionals who make it possible.
Going Green with Water Cremation: An Eco-Friendly Farewell explores more ways this innovative process fits into the growing movement toward sustainable funeral practices, helping families make choices that honor both their loved ones and their environmental values.