Aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, uses warm water and an alkaline solution to break the body down naturally. It reaches the same end point as flame cremation, returning remains to the family, with a smaller environmental footprint.

Is aquamation legal in my state?

It's legal and available in a growing number of US states, but not yet everywhere. Because adoption is uneven, the surest check is to ask local providers whether they offer it.

Is aquamation cheaper than cremation?

Usually it's slightly more expensive where it's offered, often by a few hundred dollars, because fewer facilities have the equipment. Prices are converging as it becomes more common.

What do you get back?

A white, ash-like set of remains, similar to flame cremation but typically a somewhat larger quantity. They're returned in a container just as cremated ashes are.

Comparison

Cremation vs Aquamation

By Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa · Updated June 2026

Flame cremation uses heat; aquamation — alkaline hydrolysis, or water cremation — uses warm water and alkali to reach the same result with a far smaller environmental footprint and no direct emissions. Aquamation is gentler on the planet but is offered in fewer places and often costs a few hundred dollars more.

Cremation vs Aquamation, side by side

Process
Cremation
Heat reduces the body to ash
Aquamation
Water and alkali break it down gently
Typical cost
Cremation
$1,000–$3,000
Aquamation
$2,000–$3,500 where available
Availability
Cremation
Widely available nationwide
Aquamation
Legal in a growing number of states — check locally
Environmental impact
Cremation
Uses fuel; some emissions
Aquamation
Lower energy use; no direct emissions
What's returned
Cremation
Ash-like cremated remains
Aquamation
A larger amount of similar white remains
Timing
Cremation
Comparable to aquamation
Aquamation
Comparable to flame cremation

	Cremation	Aquamation
Process	Heat reduces the body to ash	Water and alkali break it down gently
Typical cost	$1,000–$3,000	$2,000–$3,500 where available
Availability	Widely available nationwide	Legal in a growing number of states — check locally
Environmental impact	Uses fuel; some emissions	Lower energy use; no direct emissions
What's returned	Ash-like cremated remains	A larger amount of similar white remains
Timing	Comparable to aquamation	Comparable to flame cremation

Figures are typical national ranges and vary widely by area and provider. Under the FTC Funeral Rule you're entitled to an itemized price list — always confirm prices directly.

Choose Cremation

Choose flame cremation for the widest availability and the lowest cost in most areas.

Choose Aquamation

Choose aquamation if a gentler, lower-impact process matters to you and a provider offers it nearby.

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Common questions: Cremation vs Aquamation

What is aquamation?: Aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, uses warm water and an alkaline solution to break the body down naturally. It reaches the same end point as flame cremation, returning remains to the family, with a smaller environmental footprint.
Is aquamation legal in my state?: It's legal and available in a growing number of US states, but not yet everywhere. Because adoption is uneven, the surest check is to ask local providers whether they offer it.
Is aquamation cheaper than cremation?: Usually it's slightly more expensive where it's offered, often by a few hundred dollars, because fewer facilities have the equipment. Prices are converging as it becomes more common.
What do you get back?: A white, ash-like set of remains, similar to flame cremation but typically a somewhat larger quantity. They're returned in a container just as cremated ashes are.

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