Water cremation in Minnesota: how it works and how it compares
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THE SHORT ANSWER
Water cremation, also called alkaline hydrolysis or flameless cremation, uses a water-based solution instead of flame to reduce a body to bone, which is then dried and processed into ashes, just as in flame cremation. Minnesota became the first state to allow it in 2003. Angela Woosley said prices are usually close to flame cremation.
Most people know about burial and flame cremation. Fewer know Minnesota has offered a third option for more than 20 years. At our October webinar, mortician Angela Woosley of Inspired Journeys explained how water cremation works and why some families choose it.
One process, many names
You may hear water cremation called alkaline hydrolysis, its technical name, or flameless cremation. Green Cremation, Resomation and Aquamation are trade names for the same process.
How water cremation works
In flame cremation, the body is placed in a chamber and heat and flame reduce it to bone fragments, which are cooled and processed into ashes.
Water cremation also uses a chamber. Instead of flame, Angela explained, a solution of about 95 percent water and 5 percent potassium hydroxide, a strong base, reduces the body to bone fragments. The remaining water is sterile and is returned to the water treatment system. The bone fragments are dried and processed, the same way as in flame cremation.
What families receive
Remains from water cremation look different. Instead of gray and gravelly, they are very fine and bright white, closer to powdered sugar. Angela said families typically receive 25 to 30 percent more remains than with flame cremation, because nothing is lost up a chimney.
You can do the same things with these remains as with any cremated remains: keep them, bury them, place them in a niche or scatter them with the property owner’s permission.
Why some families choose it
For many, it is about the environment. According to Angela, water cremation has about 10 percent of the carbon footprint of flame cremation and uses about one eighth of the energy, and mercury from dental fillings is captured rather than released into the air.
Minnesota legalized the process in 2003, the first state to do so. Angela noted that the Mayo Clinic wanted it for its body donation program.
How it compares on cost
Angela said water cremation generally costs about the same as flame cremation, sometimes a little more because the equipment costs more up front. To compare providers, ask each funeral home for its price for direct cremation by water.
The paperwork is the same
Water cremation, like flame cremation, needs written authorization from the person or people with the legal right to decide. If you have not named someone, that may mean your spouse or a majority of your adult children have to agree. Naming one person in your health care directive avoids that. Considering burial instead? Read our guide to green burial in Minnesota.
Watch the full webinar
See the full conversation with Angela Woosley and founder Lauren Fink, including audience questions.
Talk with a Minnesota elder law attorney
Everbright Legacy Law helps families across the Twin Cities plan for aging, care and the end of life from our office in Richfield. If you want help putting your wishes in writing, schedule a consultation.
Keep reading
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different. Facts attributed to Angela Woosley come from the Oct 22, 2026 webinar; laws and provider options change, so confirm details with a licensed funeral provider or an attorney.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Is water cremation legal in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota legalized alkaline hydrolysis, or water cremation, in 2003, the first state to do so.
Is water cremation the same as aquamation?
Yes. Aquamation, Resomation and Green Cremation are trade names for alkaline hydrolysis, also called water or flameless cremation.
What do you get back after water cremation?
Fine, white remains, similar to ashes from flame cremation but lighter in color. Angela Woosley said families usually receive 25 to 30 percent more.
Does water cremation cost more than flame cremation?
Usually about the same, sometimes slightly more. Ask funeral homes for their direct cremation price to compare.
The Everbright Way
Everbright Legacy Law is a Minnesota elder law firm in Richfield, serving families across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Our attorneys are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), and we integrate licensed social workers with our legal team to deliver coordinated life care planning that goes beyond documents.
Schedule an introductory consultation with Everbright Legacy Law.
