Aquamation in Arizona

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is a legal and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation and burial in Arizona. This method is increasingly popular among those seeking sustainable end-of-life options. This article explores aquamation in Arizona, including its history, costs, availability, and regulations.

In This Article

What is Aquamation?

Aquamation is a gentle process that uses water, alkali, heat, and pressure to break down the body into its basic components, leaving behind sterile liquid and bone ash. The process mimics natural decomposition but occurs in a controlled environment, significantly accelerating the timeline. Learn more: Aquamation: 50+ Questions Answered

Benefits of Aquamation

Here are some of the benefits that aquamation offers.

Environmental Considerations: Aquamation consumes less energy than flame-based cremation and does not emit harmful greenhouse gases.
Mercury Emissions: The process avoids the release of mercury from dental amalgam, a concern associated with traditional cremation.
Resource Usage: While aquamation requires water, the amount used is relatively small compared to traditional burial methods, such as embalming and maintaining burial grounds.

History of Aquamation in Arizona

Aquamation was legalized in Arizona in 2017, following legislative updates to the state’s cremation and burial laws.

Legislative Action: Arizona passed a bill to formally recognize alkaline hydrolysis as a legal method of body disposition.
Early Adoption: Funeral homes in Phoenix and Tucson were among the first to adopt this process, making it accessible statewide.
Public Response: The method quickly gained popularity for its environmental benefits and appeal to families seeking alternative burial options.

Costs: Aquamation vs. Cremation

In Arizona, aquamation is competitively priced compared to traditional cremation. Here’s a breakdown:

Aquamation Costs

Direct Aquamation: $1,200–$1,800, includes the aquamation process without additional services.
Aquamation with Services: $2,000–$3,500, includes memorial or funeral services in addition to the aquamation process.

Cremation Costs

Direct Cremation: $1,000–$1,500, includes the cremation process without additional services.
Cremation with Services: $2,000–$4,000, includes a funeral or memorial service along with cremation.

Factors Affecting Costs

Provider fees, location, transportation, and the type of service package chosen.
Direct options are typically the most affordable, but many families opt for full-service packages that include memorials.

Average Cost of Aquamation in Arizona

Below is an overview of average aquamation and cremation costs in major Arizona cities:

City	Direct Aquamation	Aquamation with Services	Direct Cremation	Cremation with Services
Phoenix	$1,300	$2,500	$1,200	$2,800
Tucson	$1,400	$2,600	$1,300	$3,000
Scottsdale	$1,500	$2,800	$1,400	$3,200
Mesa	$1,200	$2,400	$1,100	$2,700
Glendale	$1,300	$2,500	$1,200	$2,900

Note: Prices may vary depending on the provider and selected services. Be sure to contact the provider to get actual costs.

Who Regulates Aquamation and Funerals in Arizona?

The regulation of aquamation and funeral services in Arizona falls under the jurisdiction of the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Responsibilities include:

Licensing: Ensures providers meet state requirements for offering aquamation and other funeral services.
Safety and Compliance: Oversees adherence to health and environmental regulations.
Facility Standards: Monitors funeral homes and aquamation facilities to ensure proper handling and disposition of remains.

Arizona also has environmental guidelines to ensure wastewater from the aquamation process is handled responsibly.