Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is an emerging, eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation. It is often hailed as a greener option due to its lower environmental impact. As more people become conscious of the ecological effects of their choices, aquamation is becoming a preferred method of final disposition in certain areas. In this post, we’ll explore the history of aquamation, how it works, its growth in the U.S. and Canada, and its current use today.
What is Aquamation?
Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, is a process that uses water, alkali (usually sodium or potassium hydroxide), heat, and pressure to break down the body. It’s a method that simulates the natural decomposition process but accelerates it to just a few hours. During this procedure, the body is placed in a stainless steel chamber filled with a solution of 95% water and 5% alkali. The chamber is then heated to around 160°C (320°F), and over the course of several hours, the body’s tissues are reduced to a liquid state. What remains is bone, which is crushed into a fine powder, similar to traditional cremation ashes. The liquid, which is sterile and free of DNA, is typically disposed of through the water treatment system.
Aquamation is often referred to as a “gentler” process because it mimics what occurs naturally when a body is buried, but without the environmental burden of caskets, embalming fluids, or carbon emissions from cremation. Its growing popularity is driven largely by these environmental concerns and the desire for more sustainable burial options.
Who Invented Aquamation?
The concept of aquamation was first developed in the late 1800s by Amos Herbert Hobson, a biologist who created a version of the process for the disposal of animal carcasses. He called it alkaline hydrolysis, and it was primarily used to dispose of animals in an efficient and sanitary manner. The process remained relatively unknown outside of industrial use for more than a century, with universities and laboratories using it to dispose of animal remains and human cadavers in medical research settings.
In the early 2000s, aquamation was adapted for human funerary practices. The most significant advances were made by Joe Wilson, founder of Bio-Response Solutions, a company that saw the potential of alkaline hydrolysis as a more environmentally responsible alternative to flame cremation. Wilson’s company developed commercial systems designed for funeral homes and crematories, making the process available for human remains for the first time. Since then, other companies have joined the industry, expanding the reach and acceptance of aquamation.
Aquamation in the U.S.
Aquamation first gained attention in the United States as a viable alternative to traditional methods of body disposition in the early 21st century. In 2003, Minnesota became the first U.S. state to legalize the practice for human remains, setting the stage for wider adoption. Since then, other states have gradually followed suit, with aquamation now legal in more than 20 states as of 2024, including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Oregon, and Utah.
The legal status of aquamation varies widely across the country. In some states, legislation passed quickly due to the environmental benefits of the process, while in others, it faced opposition from the funeral industry or regulators unfamiliar with the science behind it. Religious groups also expressed concerns, with some, including the Catholic Church, initially opposing the process due to its unfamiliarity. However, growing environmental consciousness and the increasing demand for more sustainable end-of-life options have gradually led to its acceptance.
Despite its legal challenges, aquamation is becoming more popular in states where it is available. Many families appreciate the gentler and more eco-conscious approach, especially in states like California, where environmental sustainability is highly valued. Several states are currently reviewing legislation that would legalize aquamation, indicating its potential for even wider acceptance in the coming years.
Aquamation in Canada
Canada was not far behind the U.S. in recognizing the benefits of aquamation. British Columbia was the first Canadian province to legalize the practice in 2012. Ontario and Quebec followed suit shortly afterward, and today, aquamation is legal in several provinces, including Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan. However, much like in the U.S., the legal status varies by province, and it remains unavailable in some areas.
In provinces where it is available, aquamation is gaining traction as an environmentally friendly alternative to burial and cremation. Canadians, known for their progressive views on environmental issues, have shown increasing interest in the process. This is particularly true in British Columbia, where environmental consciousness is a significant cultural value, and where funeral homes report growing demand for aquamation services.
In Canada, aquamation is often marketed as a “water cremation” to emphasize its gentler and eco-friendly nature. As with the U.S., the process is still relatively new, and many funeral homes are only beginning to offer it as an option. Public awareness campaigns by environmental groups and funeral service providers have played a crucial role in informing Canadians about aquamation and its benefits.
History of Aquamation Pricing
As with most services, aquamation pricing has evolved over time. Initially, when aquamation was first introduced as an alternative to flame cremation, the cost was quite high due to the novelty of the technology and the expensive equipment required. Over the past two decades, however, aquamation prices have become more competitive as more funeral homes have adopted the necessary equipment and the process has become more mainstream.
Early Pricing Challenges
In the early 2000s, when aquamation was first offered for human remains, the cost of the equipment and installation for funeral homes could exceed $200,000. This resulted in high service costs passed on to the consumer. Early aquamation services could cost upwards of $3,000–$4,000, which was significantly higher than traditional cremation, which ranged from $1,000–$2,500 at the time. This initial price barrier limited the widespread adoption of aquamation, as many families still opted for more traditional methods due to cost concerns.
Decreasing Costs
As the demand for aquamation grew and more manufacturers began producing equipment, the prices of aquamation units dropped. By the mid-2010s, advances in technology and increased competition drove down the cost of the process for funeral homes, allowing them to offer aquamation at more competitive rates. Today, aquamation prices are typically comparable to or slightly higher than traditional cremation, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the region and services included.
Price Factors
Several factors can influence the price of aquamation, including:
- Location: In urban areas, where demand for eco-friendly burial options is higher, prices may be more competitive. In rural areas, where the process is less common, prices can be higher due to the lack of providers.
- Service Package: Like cremation and burial, aquamation can be combined with memorial services, transportation, and urn purchases, all of which can increase the overall cost. Direct aquamation, without any additional services, is generally the most affordable option.
- Legal and Licensing Fees: In some areas, aquamation providers must pay additional licensing or regulatory fees, which can add to the overall cost of the service.
Today’s Pricing Landscape
In 2024, the average cost of aquamation in the U.S. and Canada is fairly competitive with traditional cremation. On average:
- Direct aquamation (with no memorial service) typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000.
- Aquamation with a full memorial service can range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the location and the services included.
While aquamation is still a bit more expensive than traditional cremation in some areas, the gap has significantly narrowed, and many families are willing to pay the slight premium for the environmental benefits. Additionally, as more funeral homes invest in aquamation equipment, prices are expected to become even more competitive in the coming years.
Aquamation Use Today in the U.S.
Today, aquamation is a growing part of the funeral industry in the U.S. As of 2024, more than 20 states have legalized the process, with several others considering legislation to allow its use. Many funeral homes in states where aquamation is legal now offer it as an alternative to cremation and burial, and demand is steadily increasing.
One of the main drivers of aquamation’s popularity in the U.S. is its environmental benefits. Traditional cremation releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, while burial involves the use of embalming fluids, caskets, and concrete vaults that have long-term environmental impacts. Aquamation, by contrast, uses significantly less energy and produces no harmful emissions. Additionally, the process does not require embalming fluids or burial vaults, making it a greener choice for those concerned about their ecological footprint.
In regions like California, where environmental issues are a priority, aquamation is particularly popular. However, even in more traditional states, the appeal of a more natural and eco-friendly approach to death care is gaining ground. The future of aquamation in the U.S. looks promising, with more states expected to legalize the process and more consumers opting for this gentle alternative.
Aquamation Use Today in Canada
In Canada, the use of aquamation is also on the rise. As of 2024, it is legal in several provinces, with more expected to follow suit as demand grows
. The Canadian public’s increasing focus on environmental issues has contributed significantly to the acceptance of aquamation as a legitimate alternative to cremation and burial.
In provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, where aquamation is already legal, funeral homes are reporting a steady increase in interest from families. Aquamation appeals to Canadians who are concerned about their environmental impact even after death, as the process produces fewer emissions and uses less energy than traditional cremation. Additionally, the absence of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, which is used in embalming, makes aquamation a cleaner and safer process for both the environment and the workers who handle the bodies.
In rural and urban areas alike, Canadians are embracing aquamation as a way to honor their loved ones while minimizing their environmental footprint. As more funeral homes offer the service, and as public awareness grows, it is expected that aquamation will become a standard option in Canadian death care.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
One of the key reasons behind aquamation’s growing acceptance is its environmental benefits. Compared to traditional cremation, which releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, aquamation uses significantly less energy and produces no harmful emissions. The water used in the process is safe and sterile by the end, and it can be returned to the water system without adverse effects.
Another consideration is the ethical appeal of aquamation. Many people feel that the gentler process better respects the natural decomposition cycle. Families may also appreciate the symbolic use of water, which is often associated with cleansing and renewal in various cultures and spiritual traditions.
The Future of Aquamation
Aquamation is set to become an increasingly common method of final disposition in both the U.S. and Canada. As more states and provinces legalize the process, and as more funeral homes offer it as an option, public awareness and acceptance are likely to continue to grow. In regions where environmental sustainability is a cultural value, aquamation may eventually surpass traditional cremation in popularity.
The future of aquamation may also see further technological advancements that make the process even more efficient and environmentally friendly. As demand increases, we may see more funeral homes invest in the equipment needed for aquamation, making it accessible to a broader range of people. Additionally, as society continues to grapple with environmental challenges, aquamation’s green credentials will make it an increasingly appealing choice for those planning their end-of-life arrangements.
