Water cremation

By Kineta Booker

Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation, is an emerging alternative to traditional cremation.

This environmentally friendly process uses a combination of water, heat, pressure, and alkaline chemicals to break down the body, offering a gentler, more sustainable option compared to conventional cremation.

The process involves immersing the deceased in a water-based solution, heated to around 150°C, which typically contains water and alkaline chemicals like potassium or sodium hydroxide. Over several hours, the body breaks down into basic chemical components, leaving only the bones, which are processed into ash - much like traditional cremation.

Water cremation has significant environmental benefits. Traditional cremation requires high temperatures (870-980°C), consuming large amounts of fossil fuels and releasing harmful greenhouse gases and pollutants. In contrast, water cremation operates at much lower temperatures, reducing energy use and eliminating air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and mercury from dental fillings. The process is emissions-free, making it a cleaner alternative, especially in urban areas with high crematorium concentrations.

Additionally, water cremation is viewed as a more natural and respectful method of returning the body to the earth. Unlike traditional cremation’s intense heat, alkaline hydrolysis uses water and natural chemical reactions to gradually decompose the body. This process is non-invasive and is seen by many as more in tune with ecological and philosophical views on death.

Another advantage is the completeness of tissue breakdown. In alkaline hydrolysis, all organic material liquefies, leaving only the bones, which are then processed into ash. Traditional cremation can leave behind residual tissue, making water cremation a cleaner and more thorough option.

Though costs vary internationally with this method, water cremation is often more affordable than traditional cremation due to its lower energy consumption. This makes it an attractive option for families looking for an eco-conscious and cost-effective alternative, and it appeals to those seeking a more respectful way to honour their loved ones. As awareness grows, this method is expected to gain popularity in the coming years.