What Happens to the Water?
One of the most common questions we are asked
When people first hear about water cremation, one of the first questions they ask is:
“What happens to the water afterwards?”
It’s a completely understandable question, and one we’re always happy to answer openly and honestly.
The simple answer is that the water is not reused, and it is not returned to the environment untreated.
Instead, it is managed safely, responsibly and in accordance with strict environmental regulations.
A gentle, natural process
During water cremation, warm water and a naturally occurring alkaline solution gently accelerate the same natural process that would take place over many years following burial.
At the end of the process, the body’s organic compounds have been returned to their basic natural building blocks.
What remains is a sterile, water-based solution containing naturally occurring organic compounds, along with the mineral remains of the bones, which are carefully prepared and returned to the family as ashes.
Is the water safe?
Yes.
By the end of the process, the water has been sterilised through the combination of temperature, time and the controlled conditions within the vessel.
It contains no DNA, no tissue and no biological material capable of causing disease.
The solution is carefully managed in accordance with environmental regulations and only released through approved wastewater systems where permitted by local legislation.
Public safety and environmental protection remain the highest priorities throughout the process.
Is anything returned to rivers or the sea?
No.
The water is not discharged directly into rivers, lakes or the sea.
Instead, it enters the normal wastewater treatment system, where it is treated in the same way as other wastewater before being safely returned to the environment.
Every Aquatorium® facility will operate in accordance with UK environmental regulations and the requirements of the relevant water authority.
What happens to medical implants?
Following the water cremation process, any medical implants that remain, such as hip or knee replacements, are respectfully removed.
Where possible, these materials are recycled through approved specialist schemes, helping to reduce waste while maintaining the highest standards of dignity and environmental responsibility.
Why is this considered environmentally responsible?
Unlike traditional flame cremation, water cremation does not rely on combustion.
This means there is:
- No chimney emissions from burning.
- No smoke or flames.
- Lower energy requirements.
- Lower greenhouse-gas emissions.
- No atmospheric release of mercury from dental amalgam.
The water itself is carefully managed within existing environmental protection systems, making it an important part of the overall sustainability of the process.
Transparency Matters
At Aquatorium®, we believe families deserve clear, honest information.
Water cremation is different from traditional cremation, so it’s natural to have questions.
Rather than avoiding those conversations, we want to explain every stage of the process openly and respectfully, helping families make informed decisions with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the water reused?
No. Fresh water is used for every water cremation. It is never reused for another person.
Is the water released into rivers or the sea?
No. It is managed through approved wastewater treatment systems in accordance with environmental regulations.
Does the water contain human remains?
No. By the end of the process, the solution has been sterilised and no recognisable tissue or DNA remains. The mineral remains of the bones are carefully prepared and returned to the family as ashes.
Is the process environmentally regulated?
Yes. Any future Aquatorium® facility will operate in accordance with UK environmental legislation and the requirements of the relevant regulatory authorities.
Learn More
Discover why more families are choosing water cremation as a gentle and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional cremation.
Explore the Environmental Benefits →