If you are searching for “Is aquamation legal in California?”, the short answer is: Yes, aquamation is legal and fully regulated for human remains in California.
Aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation, flameless cremation, or green cremation, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. While several U.S. states have moved to authorize this sustainable option, California was among the pioneers to establish a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for consumer funeral services.
If you are considering aquamation for yourself or a loved one in California, this guide explains current state laws, how the process is regulated, available local options, and what to keep in mind when making end-of-life arrangements.
Is Aquamation Legal in California?
Yes. As of August 2026, aquamation is legal, fully authorized, and available across California.
California regulates final disposition, mortuaries, and crematories through its Health and Safety Code and Business and Professions Code, with oversight handled by the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau (CFB) a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Under California law, alkaline hydrolysis is recognized on equal legal standing with traditional flame cremation and burial. Licensed facilities must hold specific operating permits, employ qualified personnel, and adhere to strict environmental standards to offer the service directly to consumers.
What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation is a form of alkaline hydrolysis that uses water, heat, pressure, and an alkaline solution (typically potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) to accelerate the natural decomposition of organic matter.
Instead of using direct flame, the process takes place in a specialized, sealed vessel. After the cycle completes, the remaining bone minerals are processed into a fine powder—similar to traditional cremated ashes, though often whiter in appearance and slightly greater in volume.
The terms aquamation, alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation, flameless cremation, and green cremation are used interchangeably within California's death-care industry to describe this exact process.
California Aquamation Legislation: Assembly Bill 967
Aquamation officially became law in California through Assembly Bill 967 (AB 967), authored by Assemblymember Todd Gloria and signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in October 2017.
Key milestones in California’s legislative timeline include:
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2017: AB 967 was signed into law, expanding state statutes to officially include alkaline hydrolysis within the legal definitions governing final disposition.
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2017–2020: The California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau developed operational standards, environmental protections, and facility licensing criteria.
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July 1, 2020: The regulatory framework became fully operative, allowing licensed California facilities to officially begin providing human aquamation services to the public.
What Does California Law Currently Allow?
California law gives individuals and authorized representatives broad authority to direct final disposition choices. Authorized legal options in California include:
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Traditional in-ground burial
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Above-ground entombment in a mausoleum
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Traditional flame cremation
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Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation)
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Natural organic reduction (terramation / human composting, authorized via AB 351 with implementation beginning in 2027)
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Anatomical donation to science
For specific rules regarding disposition permits or consumer rights, consult the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau before formalizing plans.
Can You Have Aquamation If You Live in California?
Yes. Because aquamation is legal statewide, California residents do not need to arrange out-of-state transport to access water cremation.
However, because specialized hydrolysis equipment requires significant capital investment, not every local funeral home owns an on-site machine. Many community funeral establishments partner with licensed regional wholesale facilities to offer the service.
When selecting a California aquamation provider, consider asking these key questions:
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Does your funeral home perform the aquamation on-site, or do you partner with an outside licensed facility?
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Is the facility fully licensed for alkaline hydrolysis by the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau?
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What are the total costs, including transport, death certificates, and state regulatory fees?
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What is the expected timeline from initial transfer to the return of the remains?
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Are there specific requirements for the type of container used during transport?
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How and when will the processed bone minerals be returned to the family?
What About Aquamation for Pets in California?
Pet aftercare is regulated under different statutory guidelines than human funeral services.
Pet aquamation is legal across California (and nationwide). Because animal aftercare operates under agricultural and local environmental codes rather than human mortuary law, numerous veterinary hospitals and specialized pet aftercare providers offer aquamation services for dogs, cats, horses, and companion animals throughout the state.
If you are researching pet aquamation in California, confirm with the provider whether:
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The service is private (individual) or communal
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Transportation from your home or local veterinary clinic is included
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The returned mineral ashes are certified and delivered in an urn
Is Aquamation More Environmentally Friendly Than Cremation?
Aquamation is widely recognized in California as a lower-impact, eco-conscious alternative to traditional flame cremation.
While both processes achieve a similar final outcome, their environmental footprints differ significantly:
| Feature | Traditional Flame Cremation | Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis) |
| Energy Source | Natural gas or propane (1,400°F–1,800°F) | Electricity & warm water (200°F–320°F) |
| Energy Usage | High fossil fuel consumption | Up to 90% energy savings |
| Air Emissions | Direct greenhouse gas & stack emissions | Zero direct air emissions |
| Final Remains | Coarse, gray processed bone fragments | Fine, pale/white processed bone fragments |
What Happens to the Remains After Aquamation?
After alkaline hydrolysis is completed, the remaining bone material is dried and processed into a fine, pale powder comparable to cremated ashes.
Families can select standard memorial urns to hold aquamated remains. However, because aquamation typically yields 20% to 30% more ash volume than flame cremation, choosing an urn with adequate cubic-inch capacity is recommended.
Common memorialization choices include:
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Full-size memorial urns
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Keepsake urns and companion urns
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Scattering at sea or on private land (in compliance with California Health and Safety Code § 7117)
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Cremation jewelry and keepsakes
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Burial in a cemetery or natural green burial ground
Shop Aquamation-Compatible Urns
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquamation in California
Is aquamation legal in California in 2026?
Yes. Aquamation has been fully authorized and regulated for human remains in California since the state's regulatory framework took effect in July 2020 under Assembly Bill 967.
Is water cremation the same as aquamation?
Yes. Water cremation, liquid cremation, flameless cremation, and alkaline hydrolysis are all terms used to describe the exact same process.
How much does aquamation cost in California?
In California, direct aquamation generally ranges between $2,000 and $4,500, depending on the provider, region, and whether additional memorial services or transportation options are included.
Who regulates aquamation facilities in California?
Human aquamation providers and crematory facilities are licensed and regulated by the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau (CFB), an agency under the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Can medical implants remain in place during aquamation?
Yes. Unlike traditional flame cremation—where pacemakers and battery-operated devices must be surgically removed to prevent explosions—implants remain safe inside the hydrolysis vessel and are recovered intact after the cycle finishes.
Do I need a special urn for aquamation remains?
Standard cremation urns work well for aquamated remains. However, because aquamation yields a slightly higher volume of ash than flame cremation, ensure the urn offers sufficient cubic-inch capacity.
Planning Ahead for Aquamation in California
Because aquamation is legal statewide, incorporating it into your end-of-life planning is clear and straightforward. You can document your preferences in an advance healthcare directive, select a licensed California provider offering water cremation, and pre-select an appropriately sized memorial urn.
The Bottom Line
Aquamation is fully legal, state-regulated, and accessible for human disposition in California. Enacted under AB 967, the law provides California residents with an energy-efficient, eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation and burial.
Sources and legal references: California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau; California Department of Consumer Affairs; California Health and Safety Code; California Business and Professions Code (Assembly Bill 967). Laws and regulations can change, so this article should not be considered formal legal advice. Verify current requirements with the appropriate state agency or a licensed funeral professional before making final arrangements. Last reviewed: August 2026.