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Written by Mitch Tapner.
11 minute read
Cremation by water, also known as aquamation, is a newer alternative to traditional cremation that many people are only just beginning to hear about. If you’re exploring funeral options or starting to think about end-of-life planning, it’s natural to have questions, especially about something that feels unfamiliar.
This guide gently explains how water cremation works, what happens during the process and why some families feel it’s a more environmentally considerate choice. While it’s not yet widely available in the UK, understanding it can help you feel more informed when thinking about what might be right for you or someone close to you.
Key takeaways:
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Cremation by water or aquamation, is a modern alternative to traditional cremation types. It uses water instead of flame to gently break down the body. You might also see it described as alkaline hydrolysis, resomation, or water-based cremation. These terms all refer to the same process.
At its core, alkaline hydrolysis uses water and a mild alkaline solution, along with heat and pressure, to support natural decomposition in a carefully controlled setting. Rather than burning, the body is returned to its basic elements in a liquid environment.
Many people who search for “what is water cremation” are trying to understand whether it is respectful and safe. It is. The process closely follows what happens naturally over time, but in a way that is carefully managed and monitored.
Other common phrases include:
All describe a water-based method that avoids open flame.
Interest in cremation with water has grown across the UK and beyond. More families are looking for options that feel simple, gentle and considerate of the environment.
Water cremation produces fewer carbon emissions than flame cremation. Because there is no direct burning, fewer pollutants are released into the air, which can feel important for those thinking about environmental impact.
Some families are drawn to aquamation because it feels gentler than fire, reflects their environmental values and offers a more modern approach. When someone has died, the decision often comes down to what feels right. Some people prefer tradition, while others are drawn to something quieter and less intense. For those families, aquamation can feel like a more comforting choice.
The water cremation process is carefully managed at every stage. Before the process begins, there are a few simple steps that are similar to how the body is prepared for cremation. The person who has died is cared for respectfully and placed into a sealed chamber.
This chamber is filled with water and a gentle alkaline solution. Heat and pressure are then applied to support the process.
Inside, several things happen:
Over several hours, the body is gradually reduced. At the end, what remains are liquid and bone fragments.
The temperature used is lower than in flame cremation, but still warm enough to be effective. The process is steady, controlled and monitored throughout.
People often ask how does a crematorium work, especially when comparing different types of cremation. While traditional crematoria use flame and high heat, water cremation uses a gentler, water-based process in a carefully controlled environment.
When people search “how does water-based cremation work” or “cremation by water process”, this is what they are usually asking about. It is not sudden or harsh. It is gradual and contained.
During aquamation, the body undergoes a natural chemical change.
The alkaline solution helps break down soft tissue, while warm circulating water supports the process. Heat encourages this transformation without the need for burning.
Key stages include:
This is why it is often described as a gentle, water-based process.
The remaining liquid must be handled and discharged in line with environmental and wastewater regulations.
In a Guardian article about aquamation, Yorkshire Water reported that its analysis of the liquid found no DNA and it approved discharge into the standard drainage system. Any future facility would still need to obtain the appropriate approvals before doing the same.
It’s natural to wonder what is left afterwards. Clear information can help bring reassurance at a difficult time.
After the process, the bone fragments are carefully collected. These are then dried and reduced to a fine powder, similar to ashes from traditional cremation.
So when people ask about aquamation ashes, the result will feel familiar. Families receive ashes that can be kept, scattered or buried.
The process also produces a liquid by-product. This is mostly water with natural compounds. It is treated safely and returned in line with environmental regulations.
Everything is handled with care and respect.
Once the ashes are ready, they are returned to the family. This is often the most meaningful part of the process, when things feel personal again. Families may choose to keep the ashes, arrange a burial or scatter them in a place that feels meaningful.
At Aura, ashes from a direct cremation can be hand-delivered within 21 days, or scattered if that is your wish. Although water cremation is not yet widely available in the UK, the same level of care and respect would always apply. The focus is on dignity, clarity and giving families time to decide what feels right.
Traditional cremation relies on flame and very high temperatures. This leads to carbon emissions and higher energy use.
Compared to the usual cremation process, water cremation reduces carbon emissions by avoiding direct combustion.
Key differences include:
For people comparing options, the environmental impact is often an important factor.
Water cremation is often considered more environmentally friendly because it does not use an open flame, requires less energy and produces minimal air pollution. According to Resomation, aquamation uses around five times less energy than flame-based cremation, which may make it feel like a more sustainable choice for some families.
The water used during the process is carefully treated and returned safely, with no harmful residue left behind. For families who are thinking about environmental impact, this approach can feel more closely aligned with their values and priorities.
The legal position differs across the UK. In Scotland, hydrolysis regulations came into force on 2 March 2026, although providers still need the necessary planning, environmental and wastewater consents before offering the service. In England and Wales, there is not yet a dedicated regulatory framework for new funerary methods such as alkaline hydrolysis and the Law Commission is reviewing how these methods should be regulated. Availability remains limited.
Facilities would need to meet strict environmental and public health regulations before offering aquamation. Approval processes are thorough and take time.
Some organisations are exploring how this service could be introduced, but it is not yet standard practice.
If you search “what is water cremation UK” or “is aquamation legal”, you may find mixed answers. This reflects the fact that regulation is still evolving.
Any future use of water cremation in the UK would be carefully regulated and closely monitored.
Questions sometimes raised include:
Facilities would be required to meet high standards, including safe operation, proper treatment processes and clear communication with families.
In other countries where aquamation is available, it is considered a safe and respectful option.
Because aquamation is still not widely available in the UK, costs are harder to compare and will depend on the provider, location and facilities available.
Costs can vary depending on where you are, the provider you choose and how widely available the service is in your area. With the national average total cost of a funeral now approximately costing £5,140, according to SunLife, many families are looking for simpler and more affordable options.
Choosing a cremation option is a personal decision. There is no single right choice.
Water cremation may feel right if:
It may not suit everyone. Some people prefer more traditional approaches, such as an attended cremation, where family and friends can be present for a service at the crematorium.
When arranging a funeral, many families are looking for simplicity and peace of mind. At Aura, we focus on clear information, gentle support and no hidden costs.
Even if aquamation is not yet widely available, understanding your options can help you make a choice that feels right for you and your family.
Thinking about funeral options can feel like a lot, especially during an emotional time. Whether you’re arranging a funeral now or considering a funeral plan for the future, it can help to have clear information and someone to guide you through the process.
At Aura, we focus on simple, direct cremation with no hidden costs and support at every step. We take care of everything, from bringing the person who has died into our care to returning the ashes in a way that feels right for you.
While water cremation is not yet widely available in the UK, we’re here to help you understand your options and make a choice that feels right for you and your family.
If you’d like to talk things through, our team is here to listen and offer guidance, in your own time and without pressure.
If you have any questions, would like a brochure or simply would like a chat through our services, our award-winning team is here to help.
Unlike other providers, we won’t hassle you with constant calls. We’ll simply ensure you have the information you need and leave you to come to a decision in your own time. When you’re ready for us, our team will be ready to help.
Water cremation, also known as aquamation, is not yet widely available in the UK. Regulations are still developing, and facilities would need to meet strict environmental and public health standards before offering this service. Interest is growing, so this may change in the future.
The usual cremation process uses flame and high temperatures to reduce the body to ashes. Water cremation uses warm water, a gentle alkaline solution and pressure instead of fire. Both methods return ashes to the family, but water cremation is often seen as a gentler and more environmentally friendly option.
After water cremation, the remaining bone fragments are carefully dried and processed into a fine powder, similar to ashes from traditional cremation. Families can choose to keep the ashes, scatter them or arrange a burial in a way that feels meaningful to them.
Water cremation is generally considered more environmentally friendly than flame cremation. It uses less energy, produces fewer emissions and avoids direct combustion. For many people, this makes it a more sustainable choice when thinking about funeral options.