What is aquamation?

Water cremation: how it works, where it's available and answers to other frequently asked questions.

What is aquamation?

Aquamation is an alternative form of cremation. Where traditional cremation uses heat to turn a person's body into ashes, aquamation uses a solution of water and potassium hydroxide to break it down.


Also known as "alkaline hydrolysis", "biocremation", "resomation" and "water cremation", aquamation is an environmentally friendly alternative to flame cremation. It doesn't burn any fossil fuels or release any harmful gases into the atmosphere.



At the time of writing, aquamation isn't legal in the UK – but this could change in light of a 2025 Law Commission consultation. It made the headlines in 2022 when Archbishop Desmond Tutu was aquamated in South Africa.

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How does aquamation work?

The person's body is placed in a pressurised steel container filled with water and potassium hydroxide (an alkaline substance). It's then heated up until the body decomposes.


After this, the person's bones are processed into a white, ash-like powder. The water can then be processed and put back into the water system.



Advocates for aquamation point to its sustainability. Flame cremation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Aquamation, by contrast, leaves the atmosphere untouched – and the water used can be treated and put back into circulation.

Is aquamation available in the UK?

At the time of writing, aquamation isn't available in the UK. Co-op Funeralcare (one of the biggest funeral directors in the UK) announced it would introduce aquamation in 2023. However, it was unable to do so because of regulatory issues.


In June 2025, the Law Commission published a consultation on "New Funerary Methods". This encourages the government to introduce and regulate alternative funeral methods including aquamation. It was welcomed by Co-op Funeralcare among others.



While aquamation isn't available in the UK, it is legal in some North American states and elsewhere.

Aquamation FAQs

  • Does aquamation involve acid?

    No. Aquamation involves a solution of water and potassium hydroxide, a type of alkali.

  • Where is aquamation available?

    At the time of writing, aquamation is available in New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, South Africa and some states in the USA. It's not, however, a widespread practice in any of these places.

  • Who invented aquamation?

    Aquamation was patented by an Englishman named Amos Herbert Hobson. He developed it in 1888 as a way to process animal remains. It was officially used for animal remains for the first time in 1993 at Albany Medical College, USA.


    The first alkaline hydrolysis system was installed in the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, in 2005. In 2007, Resomation was founded – a company specialising in the production of alkaline hydrolysis machines.

  • How much does aquamation cost?

    Aquamation is currently unavailable in the UK. Prices vary from country to country and company to company.

    In Canada, aquamation can cost between $500 and $3,000 (around £270-1,620). In South Africa, it costs between R12,500 and R16,000 (around £522-670).

  • Why is aquamation more eco-friendly than traditional cremation?

    There are several reasons why aquamation is more eco-friendly than traditional cremation.


    Traditional cremation emits a lot of greenhouse gases – a significant contributor to climate change. 


    Aquamation is a gentler and less carbon-intensive process that uses water rather than fire.


    If a person has dental fillings, traditional cremation can release mercury into the air. This can harm plants. Aquamation, by contrast, takes place in a sealed container.


    One aquamation firm in South Africa estimates that aquamation uses 90% less energy than traditional cremation. The process also uses very little water and the leftovers can be treated and put back into the water system.

  • Why is aquamation illegal in some states in the USA?

    Aquamation is legal in some US states but not others. This is for several reasons. It's a recent development which isn't mainstream in any part of the world. In the USA, the practice has met with objections on religious grounds as well as concerns about groundwater contamination.

  • Where does the water go after aquamation?

    Once the body has been processed, the water in an aquamation vessel can be disposed of as wastewater. It's then sent to wastewater treatment facilities where it's processed and put back into the water system.

  • What is aquamation for pets?

    Pet aquamation works the same way as aquamation for humans. At the time of writing, it's available only in parts of the USA and Canada.

  • How long does water cremation take?

    According to a Sky News report, aquamation can take anywhere between four and 14 hours.

Arrange the funeral you want with AFD

At Akshardham Funeral Directors, we work with people from all faiths, backgrounds and walks of life. We offer a listening ear and clear, compassionate guidelines at all stages of the process. Contact us via our webpage or on our 24/7 phone line on 020 8355 7876.