As Canadians increasingly seek greener and more meaningful end-of-life options, aquamation — also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation — is attracting growing interest. Unlike traditional flame cremation, which uses high heat and fuel, aquamation uses a warm alkaline water solution to gently break down the body. The result is similar: bone fragments (sometimes called ‘white cremains’) are returned to the family. But the environmental footprint is substantially smaller. This guide explains everything Canadians need to know about aquamation, including where it is currently available and how it compares in cost.
What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation — formally called alkaline hydrolysis — is a water-based process of disposition that uses a solution of water and either potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, combined with gentle heat, to accelerate the natural decomposition process.
The process typically takes between 4 and 8 hours, after which the soft tissue has dissolved completely. The remaining bone fragments are rinsed, dried, and processed into a fine white powder — similar in appearance to cremated ashes from flame cremation, but typically greater in volume and whiter in colour.
Aquamation is already legal and available in several Canadian provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, though availability varies significantly by provider.
Aquamation vs. Traditional Cremation: Environmental Impact
One of the primary reasons families choose aquamation is its substantially lower environmental impact compared to flame cremation.
Traditional flame cremation requires temperatures of up to 1,000°C and burns natural gas or propane, releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. It also vaporizes mercury from dental fillings, contributing to air pollution.
Aquamation uses approximately 90% less energy than flame cremation, produces no direct air emissions, and requires no burning of fossil fuels. The liquid effluent produced — primarily amino acids, peptides, sugars, and salts — is safely processed through standard wastewater treatment.
For environmentally conscious Canadians, aquamation represents a significant step toward a greener death.
Aquamation vs. Green Burial: Which Is Greener?
Both aquamation and green burial are considerably more environmentally responsible than traditional burial or flame cremation, but they differ in meaningful ways.
A natural or green burial returns the body to the earth intact, allowing it to decompose naturally and contribute to soil health and local ecosystems. This is the most direct form of returning to nature. However, it requires access to a licensed natural burial ground, which may not be available in all areas.
Aquamation produces cremated remains that can be scattered, kept, or interred — making it more flexible than green burial in terms of what families can do afterward. It is also available more broadly across Canada than dedicated green burial cemeteries.
Many families choose aquamation when they want an eco-friendly option with the flexibility of cremation.
Where Is Aquamation Available in Canada?
Aquamation is not yet universally available across Canada. Legislation varies by province, and not all provinces have amended their funeral services legislation to permit it.
As of 2026, aquamation is legally permitted and offered by providers in British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Other provinces are at various stages of legislative review.
If aquamation is important to you, it is worth checking with funeral providers in your province and asking specifically whether they offer alkaline hydrolysis services, as availability changes as more providers invest in the equipment.
How Much Does Aquamation Cost in Canada?
Aquamation is generally slightly more expensive than direct flame cremation but typically less expensive than a traditional funeral with burial.
As a guide, aquamation in Canada ranges from approximately $1,800 to $4,500 depending on the province and provider. The higher cost reflects the specialist equipment and the relatively smaller number of providers currently offering the service.
As aquamation becomes more widely available and the equipment becomes more common, prices are expected to become more competitive. For a full comparison of cremation costs, see our Cremation Costs in Canada 2026 guide.
Also see: Is Aquamation a Greener Alternative to Flame Cremation?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aquamation legal in Canada?
Aquamation is legal in several Canadian provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Other provinces are in the process of updating legislation. Always check with a local funeral provider for the current status in your province.
What happens to the remains after aquamation?
After aquamation, bone fragments are processed into a fine white powder — similar to ashes from flame cremation but typically whiter and greater in volume. These cremains can be scattered, interred, kept in an urn, or used in memorial products just like traditional cremation ashes.
Is aquamation the same as water cremation?
Yes — aquamation, alkaline hydrolysis, and water cremation all refer to the same process. The different terms are used interchangeably depending on the provider and region.
Can I pre-plan an aquamation in Canada?
Yes. If aquamation is available from a provider in your province, you may be able to pre-arrange and pre-fund it as part of a funeral pre-plan. It is worth asking your local provider directly.
Does aquamation preserve DNA?
No. Like flame cremation, the aquamation process does not preserve viable DNA in the final remains. If DNA preservation is important to your family, this should be arranged before disposition.
