If you are asking “Is aquamation legal in Colorado?”, the short answer is: Yes, human aquamation is legal in Colorado.
Aquamation, scientifically known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, has been legally recognized in Colorado since 2011. The state updated its statutory definition of cremation under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-135-103 to include water-based dissolution processes alongside traditional flame-based methods.
As one of the leading state adopters of eco-friendly disposition which also includes natural organic reduction (human composting), Centennial State families across Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Pueblo have broad access to green aftercare choices.
This 2026 guide explains Colorado’s aquamation laws, environmental benefits, average costs, and key tips for selecting an urn for bone ash remains.
Colorado Aquamation Laws at a Glance
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Human Remains Legal Status: Legal statewide. Recognized under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-135-103.
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Pet Remains Legal Status: Legal and widely accessible through veterinary partners and dedicated pet aftercare facilities.
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Regulatory Body: Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration (under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - DORA).
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Final Returned Remains: Pure, pale white bone powder.
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Volume Yield: Yields approximately 20% to 30% more ash volume than traditional flame cremation.
What Is Aquamation (Water Cremation)?
Aquamation, also called green cremation, bio-cremation, liquid cremation, or flameless cremation is a gentle, water-based disposition method.
Instead of using direct high heat and fossil fuels to reduce human remains, aquamation uses a solution of 95% warm water and 5% alkali (potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide). Over a 6- to 12-hour cycle, gentle warm liquid flow and alkalinity accelerate the body's natural breakdown process.
At the end of the process, only soft, mineral bone fragments remain. These fragments are dried and processed into a fine white powder that can be safely kept at home, buried, or scattered across Colorado's natural landscapes.
Aquamation vs. Traditional Cremation: Key Differences
| Feature | Aquamation (Water Cremation) | Traditional Flame Cremation |
| Primary Method | 95% Water & 5% Alkali Solution | Direct High Heat / Open Flame |
| Energy Consumption | Uses ~90% less energy | High fossil fuel consumption (natural gas/propane) |
| Emissions | Zero direct greenhouse gas stack emissions | Direct carbon dioxide and thermal emissions |
| Returned Remains | Fine, pale white powder | Coarser, gray bone ash |
| Ash Volume | ~20% to 30% greater returned volume | Standard baseline volume |
How Much Does Aquamation Cost in Colorado?
In Colorado, aquamation pricing varies depending on regional provider availability and service packages:
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Direct Human Aquamation: $1,800 – $3,500
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Full-Service Aquamation (with Memorial Services): $3,800 – $5,800
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Pet Aquamation: $150 – $450 (varies by pet weight)
Direct aquamation is competitively priced alongside traditional cremation services while offering a significantly smaller environmental footprint.
Choosing an Urn for Aquamation Remains
Because aquamation preserves more bone material than high-heat incineration, the returned remains typically occupy 20% to 30% more space than flame cremation ashes.
When shopping for an adult memorial vessel, keeping internal capacity in mind is crucial:
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Adult Full-Sized Urns: Look for urns with a volume capacity of 220 to 250+ cubic inches (instead of the standard 200 cu. in.) to comfortably accommodate aquamated ashes.
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Keepsake Urns: Small mini urns designed to hold a small portion of ashes, allowing multiple family members to share a token memory.
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Cremation Jewelry: Keepsake pendants and bracelets engineered with tiny inner chambers to carry a small piece of your loved one near your heart.
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Water-Soluble & Scattering Urns: Specially designed for natural ash-scattering ceremonies across Colorado’s mountain peaks, private lands, or river basins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is aquamation eco-friendly?
Yes. Water cremation produces zero direct stack emissions, uses roughly 10% of the energy of flame cremation, and returns safe, pathogen-free water to local treatment facilities.
Can I keep aquamation ashes at home in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado law allows families to bring returned cremated remains home, place them in a columbarium niche, bury them in a cemetery, or scatter them on private property with landowner permission.
What size urn do I need for water cremation ashes?
A standard cremation urn typically holds 200 cubic inches. For aquamation remains, selecting an urn rated for 220+ cubic inches ensures all returned ashes fit comfortably.
Find the Right Memorial Container for Your Loved One
Choosing final arrangements is a tender and personal process. Whether selecting traditional flame cremation or green water cremation, explore Trupoint Memorials’ Collection of Cremation Urns to find a handcrafted, beautifully protective vessel for your loved one.