How Water Cremation Provides a Gentle, Eco-Friendly Alternative
How is water cremation done through a process that gently dissolves the body using water, alkali, heat, and sometimes pressure? Here's a quick overview:
- The body is placed in a stainless-steel vessel
- A solution of 95% water and 5% potassium hydroxide is added
- The vessel is sealed and heated to around 350°F under pressure
- Over 4-6 hours, the solution breaks down all organic material except bones
- Bone fragments are processed into ash-like remains for the family
- Sterile liquid is safely returned to the environment
When funeral director John Morrow received an unexpected call on New Year's Day after Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose water cremation, he wasn't surprised by the public's curiosity. "This process is still unfamiliar to many, but it's gaining popularity for good reason," he explained.
Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation, offers a gentler alternative to flame-based cremation. The process uses approximately 90% less energy than traditional cremation and produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions.
For funeral home directors seeking to provide environmentally conscious options, water cremation represents an important evolution in the industry. One funeral home reported that when offered the choice, 85% of families preferred water cremation over traditional flame cremation.
"It's really no louder than a dishwasher at home," notes one funeral director, highlighting the quiet, non-disruptive nature of the equipment.
The process not only honors the departed with dignity but also returns approximately 32% more cremated remains to families than flame-based methods. This provides loved ones with more substantial keepsakes while reducing environmental impact.
Currently legal in 26 U.S. states, water cremation is steadily gaining acceptance across the country as families and funeral directors recognize its benefits.
Step 1: Understanding How Water Cremation Is Done
When families first hear about water cremation, they often wonder exactly what the process involves. Let's explore this gentle, eco-friendly option that's changing how we think about end-of-life care.
What Is Water Cremation?
Water cremation – also known as alkaline hydrolysis – is nature's way of returning to the earth, just dramatically accelerated. Instead of using intense flames, how is water cremation done? Through a remarkable process that combines water, alkaline chemicals, heat, and sometimes gentle agitation.
Think of it as mimicking what happens naturally when a body is laid to rest in the soil – but instead of taking years, it happens in just hours. The Cremation Association of North America formally defines it as "a water-based dissolution process for human remains that uses alkaline chemicals, heat, and sometimes agitation and/or pressure, to accelerate natural decomposition."
The equipment itself is surprisingly unobtrusive in a funeral home setting. As one director mentioned with a smile, "It's really no louder than a dishwasher at home." This quiet operation reflects the gentle nature of the entire process.
Sandy Sullivan, who founded Resomation (one of the leading water cremation technology providers), puts it beautifully: "Water cremation exists to ensure the choice of water cremation is available globally. This will be achieved through increasing public awareness, education, industry acceptance and legislative change."
You can learn more about the details of this process at Understanding the Aqua Cremation Process | White Rose Aqua Cremations.
Why Choose Water Cremation?
Families increasingly select water cremation for its remarkable environmental benefits. The process uses approximately 90% less energy than traditional flame cremation – a difference that can be significant for environmentally conscious individuals planning their final arrangements.
Unlike flame cremation, which releases gases directly into the atmosphere, water cremation produces zero direct emissions since there's no combustion involved. This means no greenhouse gases are released during the process.
For those with dental fillings, there's another important benefit. Traditional cremation can release mercury into the air, but water cremation safely contains and neutralizes such substances. The process is also surprisingly efficient with water usage – about the same amount a family of four uses in a single day.
Many families appreciate the gentler approach water cremation offers. One experienced funeral director who has performed over 1,700 water cremations since 2013 shared her personal preference: "Hands down, I'm choosing water."
This growing preference aligns with broader trends. The National Funeral Directors Association reported that interest in "green" funeral options jumped from 55.7% in 2021 to 60.5% in 2022. As awareness grows, more families are exploring this option that honors their loved ones while respecting the planet.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we've seen how funeral homes embracing this technology have been able to offer families meaningful choices that align with their values. The thoughtful design of modern water cremation equipment allows funeral directors to provide this service with the same dignity and respect as traditional methods.
Step 2: Preparation for the Water Cremation Process
When a family chooses water cremation, careful preparation ensures their loved one is treated with dignity throughout the entire process. This stage combines respectful handling with practical considerations to create a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
How Is the Body Prepared for Water Cremation?
Behind the scenes at funeral homes offering how is water cremation done, preparation begins much like traditional services. The care team first verifies the identity of the deceased and completes all necessary documentation – death certificates, cremation authorizations, and any special requests from the family.
"We take our time during preparation," shares Maria Gonzalez, a funeral director with over 15 years of experience. "This isn't just a procedure; it's a sacred transition deserving of our utmost respect."
Medical devices require special attention before water cremation. Pacemakers, certain implants, and prosthetics are carefully removed – not because they might explode as in flame cremation, but to prevent damage to the equipment and ensure complete processing. This careful removal also helps maintain the integrity of the alkaline hydrolysis system.
Personal belongings like jewelry, watches, and meaningful items are gently removed and returned to the family. Many funeral directors have touching stories of families deciding which items should remain with their loved one and which should become keepsakes.
When it comes to clothing, water cremation offers flexibility. The body may remain clothed, with natural fibers like cotton, wool, or silk preferred as they dissolve along with organic tissues. Synthetic materials are typically removed since they won't break down during the process.
Once preparations are complete, the body is respectfully positioned in the stainless-steel vessel, often wrapped in a biodegradable shroud that provides dignity while allowing the process to work efficiently.
Family involvement during preparation has evolved significantly with water cremation. Many funeral homes now invite families to participate more actively than with traditional methods. Some allow loved ones to help with dressing the deceased or placing meaningful objects with them before the process begins.
"The transparency of water cremation has been transformative for many families," notes James Wilson, whose funeral home in Colorado added aquamation in 2019. "When people understand how water cremation is done, they often find comfort in its gentleness."
Legal and ethical considerations guide every step. Funeral directors must steer varying state regulations, particularly in regions where water cremation is newly approved. This sometimes means additional documentation and more thorough family education to ensure informed consent.
The preparation phase also provides funeral directors an opportunity to explain what families can expect afterward. Many are surprised to learn that water cremation returns approximately 32% more cremated remains than flame cremation, offering more substantial keepsakes for sharing among family members.
For funeral homes considering adding water cremation to their services, the preparation phase requires minimal additional training beyond traditional methods. The focus remains where it should be – on honoring the deceased with care and supporting families through their grief journey.
Step 3: The Alkaline Hydrolysis Process Explained
The heart of water cremation lies in its chemical process – alkaline hydrolysis. This is where how water cremation is done becomes most technically interesting, yet surprisingly simple in concept.
How Is Water Cremation Done Chemically?
Once the body is placed in the stainless-steel vessel, a gentle change begins. The vessel is filled with a mixture that's mostly water (about 95%) combined with potassium hydroxide (about 5%). The amount needed varies with the size of the deceased, typically between 60 to 240 gallons per 1,000 pounds.
After the chamber is securely sealed, the temperature rises to approximately 350°F (177°C) under pressure. This pressure is crucial – it prevents the water from boiling, creating the perfect environment for the chemical process to work its magic.
"What we're doing is essentially mimicking what happens naturally in the ground," explains one funeral director with years of experience in water cremation. "We're just speeding up nature's process from decades to hours."
The alkaline solution gently begins breaking down the body's tissues through a process called saponification – similar to how soap is made – and hydrolysis, which uses water to break molecular bonds. This combination works together to transform complex organic materials into their simpler components.
The entire process typically takes between 4-6 hours at higher temperatures. Some systems operate at lower temperatures (around 208°F/98°C), which extends the process to 14-16 hours but uses even less energy. Throughout this time, the pH level gradually drops from about 14 at the beginning to around 11 by the end.
One funeral director who switched to offering water cremation shares, "Families are often comforted knowing this process is so gentle. There's something peaceful about returning to basic elements through water rather than fire."
The Science Behind Water Cremation
The science of water cremation is both fascinating and surprisingly straightforward. At its core, "hydrolysis" literally means "breaking apart with water." The alkaline solution works to break chemical bonds in organic materials, converting complex molecules into simpler compounds that are naturally found in our environment.
Potassium hydroxide serves as a catalyst in this process. It creates the alkaline environment needed to speed up what would naturally occur during burial. Think of it as nature's decomposition process on fast-forward.
While soft tissues dissolve completely, bone material remains intact because it's primarily made of calcium phosphate – an inorganic material that resists the hydrolysis process. These bones become the remains that families receive after processing.
"I explain it to families using a kitchen analogy," says a funeral director from Colorado. "It's similar to how soap helps wash away food from dishes – the alkaline solution gently breaks down biological materials in a controlled, respectful way."
Temperature and pressure work together throughout the process. The heat accelerates the chemical reactions, while the pressure maintains optimal conditions for hydrolysis without boiling. This combination creates a gentle yet efficient process that accelerates what would naturally take years in burial.
The environmental chemistry is particularly impressive. Unlike flame cremation, which releases carbon dioxide directly into the atmosphere, water cremation contains everything within a closed system. By the end of the process, the pH of the liquid is carefully adjusted to ensure it's environmentally safe before disposal.
As one scientist who studied the process notes, "Water cremation essentially speeds up the natural decomposition process that would occur in burial, but without consuming land resources or creating air pollution. It's nature's process, just accelerated."
Water cremation: Co-op Funeralcare to be first UK company to offer resomation
For those concerned about environmental impact, this science offers significant comfort. Water cremation provides a gentler return to nature that aligns with many people's values about treading lightly on the earth, even in their final act.
Step 4: Processing and Returning the Remains
Once the gentle waters have completed their work, what happens next in the water cremation journey is just as important as the process itself. After several hours of alkaline hydrolysis, two distinct elements remain in the chamber: bone fragments and a sterile liquid solution. Each requires specific handling with care and dignity.
Processing the Bone Remains
When the chamber is opened after the how is water cremation is done process completes, technicians first carefully drain away the liquid solution. What remains are clean, white bone fragments – the inorganic calcium phosphate structures that didn't dissolve during hydrolysis.
These fragments are thoroughly rinsed with fresh water to remove any residual solution, then allowed to dry completely. Some facilities use gentle air drying while others employ low-heat drying methods. The goal is the same – to prepare these precious remains for the next step.
"The bones at this stage are surprisingly clean and white," explains Maria Caldwell, a funeral director who's performed hundreds of water cremations. "There's something almost peaceful about how pristine they appear compared to what you see after flame cremation."
Once completely dry, the bone fragments move to a specialized machine called a cremulator. This device gently reduces the fragments to a fine, powder-like consistency – similar to what happens after traditional cremation, but with a notable difference. The remains from water cremation tend to be significantly whiter, finer in texture, and more substantial in quantity.
Finally, these processed remains are carefully collected and placed in an urn or container chosen by the family. The moment of transferring these remains is handled with the same reverence and care as any other form of cremation.
Comparing with Traditional Cremation
One of the most noticeable differences families find is that water cremation yields approximately 32% more cremated remains than flame cremation. This happens because the gentler water process preserves more of the bone structure rather than incinerating portions of it.
The appearance is distinctly different too. Water cremation remains are typically whiter and finer in texture since they haven't been subjected to intense heat and flames. They're pure calcium phosphate, free from the carbon residues often present after traditional cremation.
Tom Richards, who chose water cremation for his mother last year, was surprised by what he received. "The remains were so much... purer looking than what we got when my father was cremated traditionally years ago. It felt right somehow, knowing this was truly just Mom and nothing else."
This increased volume offers families more opportunities for sharing remains among relatives or creating multiple memorial keepsakes. Many find comfort in having more tangible memories to distribute, especially in larger families where everyone wants a small remembrance.
The timeline for returning remains to families typically mirrors traditional cremation – usually within a few days of the process. Some funeral homes have created special ceremonies around the return of water cremation remains, emphasizing the environmental choice the deceased or family made.
For families who've lived their lives making environmentally conscious choices, receiving remains processed through water cremation often provides a sense of completion and alignment with their values. As one daughter expressed after her environmentalist father's water cremation: "Dad would have loved knowing his last act on Earth was gentle on the planet he worked so hard to protect."
Step 5: Handling the Liquid Byproduct
One of the most fascinating aspects of water cremation is what happens to the liquid that remains after the process. Unlike traditional flame cremation, which produces only ash, how water cremation is done includes managing a liquid byproduct – something many families have questions about.
The Nature of the Liquid Effluent
When the water cremation process completes, what remains in the chamber is not just the bone fragments but also a sterile liquid solution. This greenish-brown liquid contains what was once the organic material of the body, now broken down into its basic building blocks.
"Think of it as the circle of life in liquid form," explains Maria Hernandez, a funeral director who's performed hundreds of water cremations. "The body returns to its fundamental elements – amino acids, peptides, sugars, and salts – the very components that sustained life in the first place."
The solution also contains soap-like compounds, which are actually created during the process as the alkaline solution breaks down the body's fats through saponification – literally, the making of soap. By the end of the cycle, the initially strong alkaline solution with a pH of 14 has typically mellowed to around 11, still alkaline but much less caustic.
Is the Liquid Byproduct Safe for the Environment?
The question of safety is one that funeral directors hear often, and the answer is a resounding yes. The liquid byproduct is completely sterile – containing no DNA, no pathogens, and no recognizable human material.
Before the liquid leaves the facility, the pH is adjusted to meet local wastewater regulations, typically bringing it down to 11 or lower. This ensures it can safely enter municipal systems without causing any disruption to normal operations.
"I've had municipal wastewater engineers tour our facility," shares James Wilson, owner of a funeral home in Oregon. "They were initially skeptical but left impressed by how benign the effluent actually is. One engineer even joked that it was probably cleaner than what typically flows through their pipes!"
The proof is in the numbers. One funeral home reported that after optimizing their water cremation process, their sewer bill expenses plummeted from $3,000 to just $300-$400 per month – a clear indication that the treated effluent placed minimal strain on the local treatment system.
Beyond just being safe, this liquid can actually be beneficial. Some forward-thinking facilities have arrangements to use the nutrient-rich effluent as fertilizer for non-food crops or tree farms. The liquid, which is approximately 96% water, returns valuable nutrients to the soil in a complete ecological cycle.
Environmental Benefits of Water Cremation
The thoughtful handling of the liquid byproduct is central to what makes water cremation so environmentally friendly. Unlike flame cremation, which releases emissions directly into the atmosphere, water cremation contains everything within a closed system until it can be properly processed.
This closed-loop approach offers several key advantages:
The alkaline hydrolysis process effectively neutralizes potentially harmful substances that might be present in the body, including embalming fluids and certain medications like chemotherapy drugs. Rather than these being released into the air through combustion, they're broken down and rendered harmless.
The entire water cremation process, including the treatment and disposal of the liquid effluent, produces a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional methods. With no direct emissions and approximately 90% less energy consumption, the environmental benefits are substantial.
"Having been associated with Resomation from its inception," says Howard Pickard, MD of a water cremation technology company, "we have seen how water cremation presents the public with a credible environmentally sustainable funeral choice, something that is becoming more and more important in the fight against climate change."
For families who have lived their lives making environmentally conscious choices, the responsible handling of both the solid remains and liquid byproducts offers peace of mind that their final act will align with their values. As one daughter shared after her mother's water cremation: "Mom was an environmental science teacher for 40 years. Knowing that every part of her has been returned to the earth in a beneficial way would have made her smile."
At American Mortuary Coolers, we understand the importance of proper equipment for this gentle, environmentally friendly process. Our custom solutions help funeral homes provide this increasingly popular option with reliability and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Water Cremation
The growing interest in water cremation has sparked many questions from families and funeral directors alike. As more people find this gentle alternative, we've gathered answers to the most common questions we hear.
Is Water Cremation Legal Everywhere?
Water cremation isn't yet available in every state, though its legal footprint continues to expand. Currently, 26 U.S. states have legalized water cremation, with more considering legislation each year.
The legal landscape varies considerably from state to state. Some have explicitly included alkaline hydrolysis in their cremation statutes, while others have created separate regulatory frameworks. Many states are still working through the legislative process to address this newer method.
"When we first started offering water cremation, we had families driving from neighboring states where it wasn't yet available," shares one funeral director in Colorado. "People are willing to go the extra mile for something they believe in."
Even in states where water cremation is legal, you might find limited availability as funeral homes invest in equipment and training. If you're interested in this option, we recommend contacting local funeral providers or your state's funeral regulatory board for the most current information.
In Hawaii, the push for legalization has found strong support among those who see parallels with Native Hawaiian burial traditions that emphasize preserving bone remains (iwi) and spiritual essence (mana).
How Much Does Water Cremation Cost?
Most families can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for water cremation services, placing it in roughly the same range as traditional cremation, though often slightly higher.
Several factors influence the cost:
The specialized equipment represents a significant investment for funeral homes, with high-quality water cremation systems costing upwards of $400,000. The process also takes longer than flame cremation—typically 4-6 hours compared to about 2 hours—which affects operational costs.
"We've tried to keep our pricing accessible," explains one funeral director who recently added water cremation to their services. "Many families are willing to pay a small premium for something that better aligns with their environmental values."
A typical water cremation package includes transportation of the deceased, the process itself, a standard urn, return of remains to the family, and all necessary paperwork. As with traditional services, special urns, memorial services, or transportation outside the local area may incur additional costs.
As water cremation becomes more widely available, we expect pricing to become increasingly competitive with traditional options.
Are All Religions Accepting of Water Cremation?
Religious perspectives on water cremation vary widely, and many faith communities are still developing their positions on this relatively new practice.
Many mainstream Protestant denominations that accept traditional cremation have shown openness to water cremation as well. The Catholic Church has expressed varying views, with some dioceses accepting the practice while others have reservations.
Traditional Judaism has historically preferred burial, though Reform and Conservative branches have become more accepting of cremation generally. Some Jewish families find water cremation's gentler approach more aligned with their values.
Islamic tradition strongly favors burial, and cremation by any method is generally not accepted in traditional practice.
In Hinduism, where traditional cremation has deep religious significance, some communities have expressed interest in water cremation as an alternative that still returns the body to basic elements.
Buddhist traditions often accept cremation, and many find the gentler nature of water cremation compatible with Buddhist principles of compassion.
"We've served families from virtually every faith background," notes a funeral director in Minnesota. "What we've found is that personal values often guide these decisions as much as formal religious doctrine."
Some funeral homes have found thoughtful ways to accommodate religious preferences, such as incorporating blessed water into the process or allowing for specific religious rituals before or after the cremation.
If religious considerations are important to you or your loved ones, we recommend consulting with your spiritual leaders when exploring end-of-life options. Many clergy members are becoming more familiar with how water cremation is done and can offer guidance specific to your faith tradition.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we're committed to supporting funeral homes as they expand their options for families. Whether you're considering water cremation for yourself or a loved one, or you're a funeral professional looking to offer this service, we're here to answer your questions about the equipment and process involved.
Conclusion
Water cremation represents a significant evolution in how we approach end-of-life care and disposition. By understanding how water cremation is done through the five simple steps we've outlined, funeral professionals and families can make informed decisions that align with their values and environmental concerns.
To recap the water cremation process, we begin with understanding that this gentle method uses alkaline hydrolysis to break down the body using water, alkali, heat, and sometimes pressure. This offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods that many families find comforting. Next comes the respectful preparation of the body, with careful attention to removing non-organic items and positioning the deceased in the stainless-steel vessel.
The heart of the process is the alkaline hydrolysis itself, where a solution of 95% water and 5% potassium hydroxide breaks down the body's tissues at around 350°F under pressure over 4-6 hours. This mimics natural decomposition but accelerates it significantly. After completion, the bone fragments are dried and processed into a fine powder, yielding approximately 32% more remains than flame cremation – a meaningful difference for families creating keepsakes or sharing remains among loved ones.
Finally, the sterile liquid effluent is safely disposed of, often benefiting wastewater treatment systems or serving as nutrient-rich fertilizer for non-food crops. This completes a process that truly honors both the deceased and our planet.
"It's a gentler process—not just for the environment, but for families too," as one funeral director shared with us. "There's something meaningful about returning a loved one to basic elements through water rather than fire."
The environmental advantages of water cremation are truly compelling. The process uses 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions. There are no mercury emissions from dental amalgams, and the process reduces the need for land use compared to burial. Perhaps most importantly, the sterile byproducts can be safely returned to the environment, completing a natural cycle.
At American Mortuary Coolers, based in Tennessee with locations across the United States, we understand the importance of providing funeral professionals with the equipment they need to offer this innovative option. Our custom mortuary coolers and related equipment are designed to support funeral homes as they expand their services to include water cremation.
We take pride in crafting durable, custom solutions that can be delivered directly to funeral homes across the contiguous 48 states. Our team serves regions including the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Rocky Mountain, and Pacific areas, and we're committed to supporting the funeral industry as it accepts more sustainable practices.
As water cremation continues to gain acceptance, we anticipate that more states will legalize the process and more families will choose this gentle, environmentally friendly option. The future of eco-friendly funeral practices looks promising, with water cremation leading the way toward more sustainable end-of-life choices.
For those considering water cremation, we encourage you to check the legal status in your state, discuss the option with your funeral provider, and consider how this choice aligns with your values and wishes. By understanding the process fully, you can make an informed decision that honors both your loved ones and the planet.
For more information on aquamation equipment and supplies, visit American Mortuary Coolers: Aquamation Equipment & Essential Supplies.