What are Water Cremations?

January 17, 2022

Water cremations are a new method of cremation that have recently become available in funeral homes in the USA. Read on to learn more about water cremations.

funeral homes in Oklahoma City, OK

Many funeral homes in Oklahoma City, OK offer cremations as well as funeral services. Cremations have been popular for a very long time but have been even more so in recent years for many reasons including price, ease, flexibility, and environmental benefits. However, there is a new kind of cremation on the market that may offer all those benefits and more: water cremation. 


Water cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis, puts an interesting and unique spin on traditional cremation procedures, and might even be better for the environment as it simulates a more natural tissue and bone decay process than traditional flame-based methods. Water cremations do not involve any burning, so no harmful gases or pollutants are released into the air. Rather, during a water cremation, the body is placed in a steel chamber. The chamber is then filled with an alkaline solution made up of 95% water and 5% potassium hydroxide and raised to a very high pressure to prevent boiling. The chamber, and the body in the solution, is then heated to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time, from 4 to 16 hours. 


The heat, pressure and solution work together to break down the body, leaving only the bones. At the beginning of the process, the mixture is strongly basic, with a pH level of approximately 14. However, by the end of the process, the pH can drop 11. The body slowly dissolves, and the bones, once removed from the chamber, crushed into ash, and returned to the family just like in a traditional cremation. However, water cremated remains are much lighter in color and in texture than classic cremated remains. Cremated remains made from flames are often darker and denser from the various combustion reactions that occur when the body is heated under extreme temperatures. 


While water cremation may seem strange, it’s actually just a more sped up version of what would happen when a body decays naturally. Interestingly, the process was originally developed as a way to process animal carcasses into plant food back in 1888. In 2007, a biochemist from Scotland founded a company to make the machines necessary to use the method to process human remains. 2007 wasn’t that long ago, so water cremations are still pretty new. The method is so new, in fact, that it’s currently only legal as a means of final disposition in 16 states, including Oregon, Illinois, Colorado, Nevada, California, and more. Laws on water cremation are currently pending in states like New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. 


Would you consider a water cremation for yourself or for a lost loved one? Whether or not you would, you can still turn to Corbett Funeral & Cremation for your cremation and funeral service needs. 


Corbett Funeral & Cremation is an Oklahoma City, OK funeral home that offers a wide range of experienced and compassionate funeral and cremation services. Please give us call today to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss and grief.


cremation services Nichols Hills, OK
March 24, 2025
Engage in meaningful conversations about cremation services Nichols Hills, OK, ensuring your wishes are respected and understood by your loved ones. Learn more.
funeral homes Nichols Hills, OK
March 17, 2025
Explore preplanning benefits at funeral homes Nichols Hills, OK. Ensure your wishes are respected and alleviate stress for loved ones. Call us to learn more.
cremation services The Village, OK
March 10, 2025
Discover thoughtful ways to support someone grieving. Learn from Corbett Funeral & Cremation. Compassionate cremation services in The Village, OK. Call us now!
funeral homes The Village, OK
March 3, 2025
Discover how to clearly communicate your final wishes with funeral homes in The Village, OK, ensuring your legacy is honored and easing your family's burden.
cremation services Oklahoma City, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation February 24, 2025
Discover personalized cremation services Oklahoma City, OK that honor and celebrate loved ones' lives with empathy and professionalism. Call us to learn more.
funeral homes Oklahoma City, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation February 17, 2025
Discover how funeral homes in Oklahoma City, OK, like Corbett Funeral & Cremation, support families with compassionate, expert services tailored to your needs.
cremation services Nichols Hills, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation February 10, 2025
Discover compassionate and personalized cremation services in Nichols Hills, OK. Honor your loved one's life with uniquely tailored memorials.
funeral homes Nichols Hills, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation February 3, 2025
Alleviate stress with thoughtful planning at trusted funeral homes Nichols Hills, OK, ensuring dignified and personalized services. Call us today to learn more.
cremation services The Village, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation January 27, 2025
Plan your personalized legacy with cremation services The Village, OK. Ensure your life and values are honored with Corbett Funeral & Cremation. Learn more.
funeral homes The Village, OK
By Corbett Funeral & Cremation January 20, 2025
Explore how funeral homes The Village, OK guide families through cremation choices with expertise and compassion, honoring loved ones in meaningful ways.
More Posts
Share by: