Losing someone you love is one of life’s hardest moments, and making decisions about their final arrangements can feel overwhelming. Water cremation, sometimes called aquamation, is an alternative to flame cremation that some families find meaningful.

The process offers a gentler, more environmentally friendly option while still ensuring dignity and respect.

Not sure whether a cremation is the right path? Need someone to answer your questions about alternatives? Our team at After guides families through every option with compassion and clarity. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170 to speak with a Care Specialist today.

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What Is Water Cremation?

Water cremation, also called aquamation, alkaline hydrolysis, or liquid cremation, is a process that uses a combination of water, heat, and an alkaline solution instead of flame. Families receive final remains that look and feel very similar to cremated ashes.

People often view this process as more natural because it mirrors how they would return to the earth over time, only in a much shorter period.

Unlike flame cremation, cremation by water produces no smoke and requires no burning of fossil fuels. For many families, it represents a thoughtful choice for both their loved one and the environment.

How the Aquamation Process Works

When families first hear about water cremation, one of the biggest concerns is whether it will feel as respectful and meaningful as traditional cremation.

Others wonder what exactly happens, how long it takes, and what they will receive afterward. The process may sound unfamiliar, but it is both gentle and dignified from beginning to end.

Here’s what happens during alkaline hydrolysis:

• Placement in the chamber: They place the individual in a sealed stainless steel vessel filled with water and a small amount of alkali. The chamber can hold about one hundred gallons of liquid.
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• The breakdown process: The vessel heats and pressurizes. Depending on the equipment, the system may also gently agitate the contents. Over several hours, the process reduces the organic elements to their simplest form.
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• Timeline: The process typically takes between 4 and 16 hours. Factors like the chamber’s temperature and pressure, as well as the individual’s size, determine the exact length.
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• What remains: Soft bone fragments remain. The staff then dries and processes the remains into a fine white powder, similar to the ashes produced by flame cremation. Families may notice slightly more remains than with flame cremation, which sometimes calls for a larger urn.
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• The liquid byproduct: The process leaves a sterile aqueous liquid made of amino acids, salts, and sugars that pose no environmental risk.

Pros and Cons of Water Cremation

Choosing how to lay a loved one to rest involves both emotional and practical considerations. Water cremation or liquid cremation is still new to many families, and while it has appealing qualities, it also comes with limitations. 

Understanding both sides helps you make a choice that feels right for your situation.

Pros

• Eco-friendly option: Water cremation produces about a 70% lower carbon emission rate compared to flame cremation. It also uses far less natural gas and electricity.
• No direct emissions: Unlike flame cremation, water cremation does not release smoke or greenhouse gases into the air.
• Recycling opportunities: You can retrieve implants such as metal joints, pacemakers, or dental fillings and recycle them.
• Gentle and modern process: Many families see it as a more natural choice because it uses water instead of fire.

Cons

• Limited availability: Water cremation is only legal in certain states, and there are relatively few providers with a license.
• Higher costs: Because it involves special equipment and there aren’t many facilities, prices are often higher than flame cremation. Insurance companies also limit coverage.
• Possible delays: Families may face longer timelines if they live in an area without a nearby facility. This can affect planning or memorial services.
• Not offered by After: At this time, After does not provide water cremation services.

Where Is The Water Cremation Process Legal?

Water cremation laws differ widely across the United States. Some states approve the practice and allow funeral homes to offer it, while others block it with outdated definitions of cremation.

Even in states where lawmakers approve aquamation, families often struggle to find a provider because few facilities install the required equipment. Families frequently ask, “If it’s legal, why can’t I arrange it locally?”

Some states only recognize flame-based cremation in their laws, and state boards take time to issue licenses and set standards after bills pass. Plus, only a few funeral homes invest in the costly equipment and staff training that you need for aquamation.

States That Allow Water Cremation

More than half of U.S. states allow alkaline hydrolysis in some form. A few examples:

• California, Colorado, Florida, and Illinois: Funeral homes in these states already offer aquamation because lawmakers approved it.
• North Carolina, Oregon, Minnesota, and Washington: Families access aquamation through established facilities operating today.
• Hawaii, Virginia, and Utah: Legislatures passed bills, and there are facilities present and functional.
• Vermont, Maryland, Idaho, and Wyoming: Legislatures gave approval for aquamation, but providers continue to delay opening facilities.
• New Hampshire: Lawmakers gave aquamation approval in 2006, then repealed the law in 2008.

Several states, including Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Wisconsin, have bills under review.

If you need cremation today, After’s service areas cover a wide range of states. After provides immediate, affordable flame cremation services that families can arrange without delay.

Water Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation

Why Many Still Choose Traditional Cremation

Even though water cremation continues to grow in awareness, most families still turn to traditional cremation. The main reasons come down to cost, speed, and availability:

• Faster and more available: Families can find flame cremation in nearly every city. The process moves quickly, which helps when loved ones want services or memorials without delay.
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• Lower cost: Water cremation often costs between $2,000 and $3,500. In comparison, many providers price traditional cremation $1,000 lower. After offers a complete cremation package starting at $995, making it one of the most affordable options available.
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• Simpler process: Families know what to expect because funeral homes have been offering flame cremation for decades. There are fewer regulatory questions and fewer limitations.
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• Flexibility for memorials: Families can use cremated ashes in the same way they would with water cremation: scattering, burial, or keeping them at home.

Cost Considerations

Both water cremation and flame cremation cost far less than burial. For perspective, a casket alone often costs more than $2,000 before adding cemetery fees and services.

Water cremation usually costs more than flame cremation because providers must buy specialized alkaline hydrolysis equipment, which can run from $175,000 to $260,000. These high startup costs explain why water cremation prices sit at the higher end of the cremation spectrum.

For families who need an option that balances affordability, simplicity, and dignity, After’s cremation packages give clear pricing and immediate support without hidden fees.

How After Supports Affordable Cremation Planning

Final arrangements should not overwhelm families with confusing prices or high-pressure sales. After builds its services around transparency and care, so families know exactly what to expect.

What Families Can Expect with After

• After offers clear, all-inclusive packages with no hidden fees or upsells.
• Families can make arrangements from home without the stress of funeral home visits.
• A dedicated team answers calls at any time of day or night.
• After’s cremation-first model ensures families can plan a memorial, burial, or celebration of life whenever they feel ready.
• Families can choose immediate services, plan ahead, or prepay years in advance.

Create a Cremation Plan That Works For You

Choosing between water cremation and traditional cremation can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving. Both paths offer dignity and respect, and each comes with its own considerations around cost, timing, and availability.

What matters most is finding an option that brings comfort and feels right for your family.

Not sure whether a cremation is the right path? Need someone to answer your questions about planning a cremation? Our team at After guides families through every option with compassion and clarity. 

After only offers traditional cremations at this time, and you can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170 to speak with a Care Specialist today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Water Cremation Legal in All States?

Water cremation is not legal in all states. More than half of U.S. states allow alkaline hydrolysis in some form, but availability still depends on local regulations and providers.

How Long Does Water Cremation Take?

Water cremation takes about 4 to 16 hours. The exact time depends on the temperature, pressure, and equipment used.

What Is the Cost of Aquamation vs. Cremation?

The cost of aquamation is usually higher than flame cremation. Families often pay between $2,000 and $3,500 for aquamation, while traditional cremation can start at around $1,000.

Can I Pre-Plan Water Cremation?

You can pre-plan water cremation only if your state allows it and a provider operates nearby. Most families choose to pre-plan traditional cremation because it is more widely available.

What Is the Most Affordable Cremation Option?

The most affordable cremation option is After’s $995 all-inclusive cremation package. It includes everything families need with no hidden fees or upsells.

Is Aquamation Environmentally Friendly?

Aquamation is environmentally friendly. It produces far fewer carbon emissions than flame cremation and does not release smoke or greenhouse gases.

Does Water Cremation Require a Casket?

Water cremation does not require a casket. Providers place your loved one in a simple, biodegradable container inside the chamber.

Are There Religious Considerations for Water Cremation?

Some faiths have not formally addressed water cremation. Families who want guidance often consult their religious leader before deciding.

How Do I Find a Water Cremation Provider Near Me?

You can find a water cremation provider by checking state laws and contacting local funeral homes. Availability remains limited, so many families turn to traditional cremation instead.

Why Is Traditional Cremation Still More Common?

Traditional cremation remains more common because it costs less, takes less time, and providers offer it in nearly every community. Water cremation remains less available and more expensive.