Water cremation

The process is based on alkaline hydrolysis: the body is placed in a pressure vessel which is then filled with a mixture of water and potassium hydroxide, and heated to a temperature of around at an elevated pressure which precludes boiling. The body is efficiently broken down into its chemical components, completely disintegrating its DNA, a process which takes approximately four to six hours. Also, lower temperatures () and pressures may be used such that the process takes 14 to 16 hours. To dispose of of biomass, approximately of water are used, resulting in of effluent, which carries a dried weight (inorganic and mineral content) of (approximately 2% of original weight). for using 90 kWh of electricity, one-quarter the energy of flame-based cremation, and producing less carbon dioxide and pollutants. , about 1,000 people had chosen this method for the disposal of their remains in the United States. The operating cost of materials, maintenance, and labor associated with the disposal of of remains was estimated at $116.40, Alkaline hydrolysis is also used in the agricultural industry to sterilize animal carcasses that may pose a health hazard, because the process inactivates viruses, bacteria, and prions that cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. History The process was patented by Amos Herbert Hobson in 1888 as a method to process animal carcasses into plant food. In 2007, a Scottish biochemist, Sandy Sullivan, started a company making the machines, and calling the process (and company) Resomation. ==Religious views==

In Christian countries and cultures, cremation has historically been discouraged and viewed as a desecration of God's image, and as interference with the resurrection of the dead taught in scripture. It is now acceptable to some denominations. Desmond Tutu, former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, was aquamated, per his wish. The Eastern Orthodox Church does not allow cremation. The Catholic Church allows cremation of bodies as long as it is not done in denial of the beliefs in the sacredness of the human body or the resurrection of the dead. In 2008, Renée Mirkes published the first Catholic moral analysis of alkaline hydrolysis. He argued that it is morally neutral and may be an alternative to burial on similar grounds to cremation. The Archdiocese of St. Louis explained that it was considered this way because the Church took concern with the final disposal of the liquid solution, which is typically to the sewer system. This was considered disrespectful of the sanctity of the human body. Judaism forbids cremation as it is not in line with the religion’s teachings of respect and dignity for humans, who are believed by the religion to be created in God’s image. Islam also forbids cremation of the deceased. Both religions are likely to reject alkaline hydrolysis as they believe that the body must be laid to rest through burial in order to prepare for the afterlife. ==Legal status==

Australia Aquamation based in New South Wales is the only company to provide alkaline hydrolysis in Australia, with the remains being used as fertilizer on plantation forests, due to difficulty with obtaining permits from Sydney Water. New Zealand Water Cremation Aotearoa has been an advocate for bringing the service to New Zealand (Aotearoa). Bell, Lamb and Trotter, in Christchurch, started to offer water cremation in June 2025. Belgium Flanders The Flemish minister of Interior Administration Bart Somers asked in September 2021 the opinion of an advisory bioethics committee on resomation. The advice, received in November 2021, saw no objections. In October 2025 a scientific trial project was launched at one crematorium in Wilrijk (Antwerp). During the trial, only bodies donated to science are eligible for resomation. The aim of the study is to determine the environmental impact, while also investigating ethical questions. The trial will be monitored by the University of Antwerp, KU Leuven, the (VITO) and Aquafin. Canada Saskatchewan approved the process in 2012, becoming the first province to do so. Quebec and Ontario have also legalized the process. A funeral home in Granby, Quebec, was the first in the province to receive an alkaline hydrolysis machine. In June 2025 a Manitoba company became the first in the province to offer the service. Ireland In 2023, water cremation became available in Ireland, making it the first country in Europe to offer this form of burial. When the process is complete, the remaining water undergoes further treatment to ensure that it is completely sterile. Analysis is then completed to ensure Water Authority standards are met. At this stage, the water can be recycled back to the Local Authority water treatment plant. Mexico Since 2019, Grupo Gayosso offers alkaline hydrolysis in Baja California. The Netherlands In May 2020, the Health Council of the Netherlands issued an advisory report on the admissibility of new techniques of disposing of the dead. The Council proposed a framework to assess alkaline hydrolysis. It concluded that alkaline hydrolysis is safe, dignified and sustainable. In addition to alkaline hydrolysis, the council also considered human composting as a technique to dispose bodies yet concluded that too little is known about composting and hence it cannot be assessed whether this technique fulfills the conditions. but is not yet available for humans pending government approval. South Africa In November 2019, Avbob introduced aquamation in South Africa, following the mutual assurance society's recent introduction of the alkaline hydrolysis process at its Maitland agency in Cape Town. Aquamation has been legal in South Africa since then. Following his death in December 2021 the body of Archbishop Desmond Tutu was aquamated. Scotland legalized water cremations in March 2026. United States Alkaline hydrolysis as a method of final disposition of human remains is legal in 24 states . Legislation is pending in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The process was legal in New Hampshire for several years but amid opposition by religious lobby groups it was banned in 2008 and a proposal to legalize it was rejected in 2013. Alkaline hydrolysis has been used for cadavers donated for research at the University of Florida since the mid-1990s and at the Mayo Clinic UCLA uses the process to dispose of donor bodies. ==See also==