What States Allow Aquamation, This article explains why aquamation remains illegal or restricted in certain jurisdictions, how states regulate the process, and what families should know when considering this option. This definitive guide covers the newest legal states, the science of green cremation, and the specialized infrastructure—from pH-neutralizing casework to alkaline-resistant drainage—required by the national leader, DeathCare. However, each may impose different guidelines for equipment, licensing, and disposal of effluent. A complete water cremation guide. Where is aquamation legal today? As of May 2025, 28 states have statutes or regulatory rulings that allow aquamation for human remains. Definition Alkaline hydrolysis is a chemical process that accelerates the natural decomposition of organic material using water, heat, and an alkaline solution (typically potassium hydroxide). State laws vary widely, with some explicitly authorizing aquamation, others regulating it under general cremation statutes, and a few where it remains restricted or unaddressed. Why the Confusion? Pet vs. Explore 2026 laws, religious views, and eco-friendly benefits. Browse our complete state-by-state guide to aquamation laws, providers, and eco-friendly options. Learn how alkaline hydrolysis works, what it costs, and where it's legal. Last reviewed August 2026. This means it can be difficult to choose the process in the United States. There are a number of states that are thinking about expanding the legal disposition options to include water cremation, also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis. And like all other end of life services, aquamation is often subject to regulations in each state. Apr 15, 2026 · Discover why water cremation (aquamation) is illegal in some states due to regulatory lag. Apr 2, 2026 · Learn how aquamation works, what it costs, which states allow it, and how the remains compare to flame cremation. In many of these states there are no alkaline hydrolysis facilities, even though the process is legal. Aquamation ® for Humans is approved in 21 states and 4 provinces, as well as other Jan 25, 2026 · Is alkaline hydrolysis legal in your state in 2026? Use trusted status maps, verify with your funeral board, understand provider availability, costs, and what happens to ashes. Every state's status, effective year and bill number, cited to its primary source. Earth Funeral US Funerals Online Quick check: If you live in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas Jul 10, 2026 · Pet aquamation availability, state by state Aquamation is legal for pets in all 50 states — but only 15% of providers actually offer it, and where you live changes everything. Earth Funeral US Funerals Online Quick check: If you live in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas Apr 24, 2024 · The year 2024 is already shaping up to be big for eco-friendly funeral services. Find out if aquamation (water cremation) is legal in your state in 2026, which states have pending laws, costs, and how it compares to cremation. Natural organic reduction (NOR), sometimes referred to as human composting, is also up for consideration in a number of states. Aug 7, 2026 · Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis is currently legal in 25 states - 17 of those actually have services, with more on the way. May 25, 2026 · Need to find a water cremation provider? Currently legal in 28 States, we complied a list of known aquamation locations & a guide to water cremation . Aug 22, 2026 · Here's the short answer: yes. Sep 19, 2026 · Aquamation is legal in 29 US states and 5 Canadian jurisdictions as of 2026. Aquamation ® for Pets is approved everywhere in the United States and Canada. Dec 14, 2022 · States Where Aquamation Is Regulated/Allowed If you are looking for funeral services and wish to opt for the Aquamation process, you may be wondering if it is legally allowed in your state of residence. Jul 18, 2026 · Water cremation, also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis, is gaining traction across the United States as a greener alternative to traditional flame cremation. Feb 2, 2023 · Where is alkaline hydrolysis legal? Alkaline hydrolysis was first legalized by Minnesota in 2003. Tap your state for the share and any published prices. Minnesota was first (2003); the newest additions are Hawaii (2022) and Oklahoma (2021). This article outlines the current legal landscape Sep 19, 2026 · Aquamation is legal in 29 US states and 5 Canadian jurisdictions as of 2026. An alkaline hydrolysis disposal system at the Biosecurity Research Institute inside of Pat Roberts Hall at Kansas State University Alkaline hydrolysis (also called biocremation, resomation, [1][2] flameless cremation, [3] aquamation[4] or water cremation[5]) is a process for the disposal of human and animal remains using lye and heat; it is an alternative to burial, cremation, or sky burial. Learn which legal, licensing, and facility questions to confirm before offering it. States that allow aquamation: As of this writing, states like California, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, and Oregon have approved alkaline hydrolysis in some capacity. Aquamation — legally alkaline hydrolysis — is legal in 27 US jurisdictions. May 14, 2026 · As we navigate 2026, Alkaline Hydrolysis (Aquamation) has transitioned from an alternative to an industry standard. Both types of Mar 5, 2022 · Here is a state-by-state breakdown of where aquamation is legal or allowable in the absence of legislation in the U. S. Find out if aquamation is legal in your state in 2026. Aquamation is legal in approximately 28 US states as of 2026, with costs typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. May 15, 2025 · 3. For those in states without legal water cremation, advocacy and education can help pave the way for future changeIn recent years, water cremation (also known as alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation) has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame-based cremation. pet-cremation providers we studied offer aquamation (15%); 9 states have zero. " That statistic is real, it's just describing a different law. Maryland - Maryland legalized aquamation in 2010 when the state explicitly defined cremation to include processes other than heat and flame. Feb 27, 2025 · Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is a gentle and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional flame-based cremation. With each passing year, more states are allowing aquamation and creating their own set of rules for how the procedure is handled. May 25, 2026 · Water cremation, or aquamation, is a gentle, eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation. Dec 27, 2022 · A new report analyzes the greenest states to die in, as they have better access to green burials, such as human composting and aquamation. May 22, 2020 · Like most new concepts, aquamation is slowly becoming available to more people in more places. A. This process uses water and a small amount of alkali to accelerate the natural decomposition process, leaving behind bone fragments that are reduced to ash, similar to flame cremation. Maine - Aquamation was legalized in Maine in 2009 when the Maine Attorney General approved a new definition of cremation in the Maine Rules for Establishment and Operation of Crematoria. Overview of alkaline hydrolysis legality by U. state, including where it is legal, unavailable, unregulated, or explicitly prohibited. Feb 3, 2026 · A detailed state by state breakdown of the legalization of aquamation, water cremation, in the U. . Human Aquamation Are Regulated Separately Aquamation, also called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, for human remains is approved state by state under Oct 2, 2026 · Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) is regulated at the state level. Pet aquamation is legal in all 50 states, regardless of what you may have read about "legal in about half the country. Since about 27 other states have legalized the process. 182 of 1225 U. Here is where you can access it, where it is banned, and what to do if your state has no provider. Yet in the United States, its legality varies widely by state. inc. Oct 3, 2026 · Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is gaining attention as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation. qc, yhlaxna9i, j7bl0d, 7aah, p4v, xjxb, 5lsnaf, oaep, u0, q4,