What Is Water Cremation?

Water cremation—sometimes called alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation—is a process that uses water, heat, and a small amount of alkaline solution to accelerate natural decomposition.

The body is placed in a sealed chamber filled with heated water and potassium hydroxide. Over several hours, the soft tissues break down, leaving only bone fragments. These are dried and processed into a fine powder, which is returned to the family in much the same way as ashes following a traditional cremation.

For families, the experience is very similar to cremation. They can still choose to:

• Keep the ashes
• Scatter them in a meaningful place
• Bury them in a grave or memorial garden

The key difference lies in how the remains are processed and the environmental impact of the process.

Why Is It Being Introduced?

One of the main drivers behind the interest in water cremation is environmental sustainability.

Many people are increasingly aware that both burial and cremation have environmental impacts. As conversations about climate change and sustainable practices grow, some families are looking for lower-impact alternatives.

Scotland’s decision to legalise water cremation reflects this growing demand for more environmentally conscious options at the end of life.

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Comparing the Main Options

Although water cremation is not currently available in England or Ireland, understanding how it compares to existing options may help people think about their preferences when making end-of-life plans.

1. Traditional Cremation

Cremation is the most common funeral choice across the UK and Ireland.

The process involves placing the body in a coffin and exposing it to temperatures of around 800–1,000°C in a cremator.

Environmental impact

• Produces approximately 160–400 kg of carbon dioxide per cremation.
• Requires significant fossil fuel use to maintain high temperatures.
• Can release trace pollutants such as mercury from dental fillings (although modern filtration systems reduce these emissions).

Typical cost

In England and Ireland, the total cost of a cremation funeral can range from £3,000 to £5,000 or more, depending on the funeral director, location, and type of service.

Cremation remains popular because it is generally less expensive than burial and offers flexibility for memorialisation.

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2. Burial

Burial is the most traditional form of funeral practice and remains an important choice for many cultural and religious communities.

The body is placed in a coffin or shroud and buried in a cemetery or burial ground.

Environmental impact

• Estimated 100–400 kg of carbon emissions, depending on materials and cemetery maintenance.
• Requires permanent land use, which can be limited in urban areas.
• Coffins, embalming fluids, and concrete grave liners can affect soil and groundwater.

Typical cost

Burials are often the most expensive option, typically costing £4,000–£10,000 or more, largely due to the price of burial plots and memorials.

However, natural or “green” burial grounds are becoming more common and may reduce some environmental impacts.

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3. Water Cremation

Water cremation offers a third option that combines aspects of burial and cremation.

Environmental impact

• Estimated to produce up to 90% less carbon emissions than flame cremation
• Uses significantly less energy
• Produces no airborne pollutants such as mercury or greenhouse gases from combustion

The process creates a sterile liquid by-product, which is safely treated through wastewater systems.

Estimated cost

Where the process is available internationally, it typically costs around £2,000–£3,000, although this will depend on local regulations and infrastructure.

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Environmental Comparison

Method	Estimated CO₂ emissions	Land use	Key environmental factors
Burial	~100–400 kg	High	Land use, coffin materials, embalming chemicals
Cremation	~160–400 kg	None	High energy use, emissions from combustion
Water cremation	~20–50 kg	None	Lower energy use, no airborne pollutants

These figures can vary depending on the coffin used, transportation, and local facilities.

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Will Water Cremation Come to England or Ireland?

At present, water cremation is not yet permitted in England, Wales, or Ireland, although discussions have begun in several regions.

Introducing a new funeral method requires changes to legislation, environmental regulation, and funeral infrastructure. For this reason, the process may take time before becoming widely available.

However, Scotland’s decision may act as an important test case for the rest of the UK and Ireland. If the process proves safe, acceptable to families, and environmentally beneficial, other governments may consider similar legislation in the future.

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Why Talking About These Choices Matters

End-of-life planning often focuses on medical care, wills, and legal arrangements. However, what happens after death is also an important part of many people’s wishes.

Understanding the available options can help individuals:

• Communicate their preferences clearly
• Reduce uncertainty for families
• Align their choices with personal values, including environmental concerns

Even though water cremation is not yet available in England or Ireland, the growing conversation around it highlights an important point: the choices around death and remembrance are evolving.

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Supporting Conversations About End-of-Life Wishes

Talking about funeral preferences can feel uncomfortable, but these conversations can bring clarity and reassurance for loved ones.

At the End of Life Network, we encourage people to think about and discuss their wishes early, ensuring that decisions reflect personal values and beliefs.

As new options emerge—such as water cremation—having open conversations about end-of-life planning becomes even more important.