Water Cremation In Australia: A Full Guide
Water cremation in Australia, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, liquid cremation, or bio-cremation, uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to reduce the body to bone fragments. It is an eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation that is only legal in NSW and Tasmania.
Traditional cremation costs around $800-$1,200 in most states in Australia. While water cremation in Australia costs around $5,000-$6,000 in places where it is legal.
It is estimated that both cremation and burial create around 160kg of carbon dioxide impact but this can be offset by planting a single tree.
What Is Water Cremation?
Water cremation is a type of cremation that uses water instead of fire. It mimics the natural human decomposition process but accelerates it dramatically. Rather than fire, the process uses warm water mixed with potassium hydroxide to gently dissolve the body’s soft tissues, leaving only the bone fragments behind. The body of the deceased is immersed for four to six hours in a mixture of water and the strong alkali, in a pressurised metal cylinder and heated to around 150C. The process liquifies everything except for the bones, which are then dried in an oven and reduced to white dust, placed in an urn and handed to relatives.
The History Of Water Cremation
Water cremation was invented in 1888 in Middlesex, England by Amos Herbert Hobson, who wanted to take animal remains and turn them into plant food. In 1990, aquamation grew in popularity as a way to lay lab-tested animals to rest. Soon after, in 2000, water cremation became a popular way to bury beloved family pets. In 2005, the first water cremation chamber for human death care was manufactured by Joseph Wilson, the founder of Bio-Response solutions in the United States. Since then, this cremation option has become a thoughtful end-of-life option for our environmentally-conscious loved ones. Due to legalities and price it has not seen mass adoption in Australia.
The Process Of Water Cremation In Australia
Here is the process of water cremation in Australia:
1. The first steps of the process starts when the deceased is received from their home, hospital, nursing facility, or coroner’s office, assigned a unique ID number, and kept in refrigeration.
2. Once all paperwork and permits are secured, the body is prepared by removing clothing and covering it with, sometimes, a natural shroud. Families can choose to see the start of the process.
3. Then the deceased is placed into a permanent metal basket within a specially designed stainless-steel chamber that rotates to a 45-degree angle.
4. After that the chamber is filled with water (about 95%) mixed with potassium hydroxide (about 5%), measured specifically according to the person’s weight.
5. The solution is heated to approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150°C) – much lower than flame cremation’s 800-1000°C – and gently circulated for approximately 4-6 hours.
6. During this time, the process breaks down the body’s proteins, fats, and other soft tissues at the molecular level, resulting in two elements:
7. Skeletal remains and any implants
8. A sterile, nutrient-rich liquid solution containing amino acids, peptides, sugars, and salts
9. The liquid is drained into a holding tank and can be later applied to soil.
10. Then the skeletal remains and implants are removed from the basket and placed on trays to air dry completely.
11. Once dry, the skeletal remains are processed into either a powder that is placed in an urn, or families can choose to have the remains transformed into memorials such as Living Legacy Trees.
12. Finally, the processed remains are then returned to the family for memorialization as they choose.
Many people choose water cremation because for them, this method is a natural return of body elements without the need of high carbon offset like traditional cremation
Key Benefits Of Water Cremation In Australia
Here are the key benefits of water cremation in Australia:
1. Environmental Benefits
1.1. Energy Efficiency: Uses ¼ of the energy required for a traditional flame cremation
1.2. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Generates no direct emissions of mercury, carbon dioxide, or other pollutants
1.3. Resource Conservation: Requires significantly less fossil fuel than traditional cremation
1.4. Sustainable Process: The liquid byproduct is sterile and safe for the environment
Many environmentally conscious people prefer methods where cremation won’t contribute to climate change or air pollution.
2. Personal Benefits
Many families chose water cremation because of these reasons:
2.1. It’s A Gentler Approach: The water-based process feels more natural.
2.2. More Yield Of Cremated Remains: Yields about 20-30% more cremated remains than flame cremation
2.3. Purer Result: The remains have a whiter, finer consistency than cremated remains from flame cremation
2.4. Medical Implants: Unlike flame cremation, which destroys implants, water cremation leaves them intact for potential recycling
For many Australian families, these benefits align perfectly with their values and their loved one’s wishes.
Water Cremation Vs Traditional Cremation
These are the comparisons of water cremation vs traditional cremation in Australia:
| Aspect Of Comparison | Water Cremation | Flame Cremation |
|---|---|---|
|
Core Process |
Water-based dissolution |
Combustion through fire |
|
Temperature |
Around 93°C |
800-1000°C |
|
Duration |
4-6 hours |
1-3 hours |
|
Energy Required |
Low |
High |
|
Emissions |
None released to atmosphere |
CO2, mercury, particulates |
|
Water Usage |
Moderate (about 500-700 litres) |
None |
|
Appearance Of Remains |
White, Fine Powder |
Grey, Coarser Powder |
|
Cost in Australia |
$3,000-$6,000 (average) |
$2,500-$5,000 (average) |
Water Cremation Providers In Australia
Water Cremation services in Australia are currently mainly provided by businesses using Aquamation machines.
1. Environmentally Friendly Cremations is one of Australia’s only regulator-approved Aquamation® service providers, this business has operated since 2010 and provides water cremation services in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney. This family-owned business offers both direct water cremation and full green funeral services with focus on environmental impact. They also offer special discounts for veterans.
2. Bass Coast Funerals provides aquamation services in the Gippsland region. https://basscoastfunerals.com.au/services/aquamation/
3. The Gentle Way pioneered water cremation in Queensland, with facilities in Townsville, Mackay, and Brisbane.
4. Resting Waters serves the Warrnambool area, Queensland.
5. Alluvium Water Cremations serves the Tasmania region and Melbourne with a deeply personal approach to water cremation. Founded by local Tasmanians Brendan and Luke, this business focuses exclusively on direct water cremation with pricing at $4,400-$6,000, including transfer, legal paperwork, and personal return of remains. Their 24/7 availability for immediate assistance reflects their dedication to supporting families through difficult times.
What To Do After Water Cremation? Plant Living Legacy Trees Where Life Creates Beauty That Lives On
Transform life’s final moments into A Living Legacy tribute that connects loved ones to the beauty that nature creates. A Living Legacy Tree offers a profound transformation of life beyond physical form.Through patented treatment, cremated remains become living molecules that nourish new growth, creating a thriving memorial that changes with the seasons.This beautiful cycle of renewal allows multiple generations to become part of one family tree, weaving together stories and memories in a living tribute that grows stronger with time.
As well as the physical transformation, each Living Legacy Tree creates a protected sanctuary where healing takes root, and here families can have a welcoming space to gather, share stories and create new memories beneath flourishing branches. Whether you’re celebrating special moments or seeking quiet reflection, this beautiful memorial transforms remembrance from a connection to loss into a touchpoint with growth and continuing life. In the warmth of nature, every visit and gathering of family becomes part of an ongoing story of love, legacy and renewal.
If you’re interested in sustainable memorial options in Australia, check out Living Legacy Trees at Mornington Green Legacy Gardens. They offer an environmentally positive alternative. Give them a call on (03) 9059 4959 to find out more about creating a meaningful and sustainable legacy.
