If you are asking “Is aquamation legal in Pennsylvania?”, the direct answer is: Human aquamation is not currently authorized for in-state facility operations under Pennsylvania law.
Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation, bio-cremation, or green cremation is a sustainable, water-based alternative to traditional flame cremation. While over two dozen U.S. states allow human water cremation, Pennsylvania has not yet finalized full statutory authorization for local facilities to perform human alkaline hydrolysis within state borders.
If you are considering aquamation for yourself or a loved one while living in the Keystone State, this 2026 guide explains current state regulations, pending legislation, out-of-state alternatives, pet options, and key advice for choosing a memorial urn.
Is Aquamation Legal in Pennsylvania?
Not yet. As of 2026, human aquamation remains unauthorized for local operating facilities under Pennsylvania state law.
Pennsylvania regulates funeral directing, embalming, and crematory establishments through the State Board of Funeral Directors under the Future of Funeral Directing Law (63 P.S. § 479.1 et seq.).
Under current Pennsylvania statutes, "cremation" is defined strictly around traditional high-heat thermal and flame-based processes. Because state regulations currently lack operating guidelines and permitting pathways for human hydrolysis equipment, local funeral homes in Pennsylvania cannot legally offer human aquamation on-site.
Legislative Outlook: Active Bills in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is closer than ever to legalizing water cremation. Lawmakers introduced House Bill 722 to explicitly authorize alkaline hydrolysis as a legal form of cremation statewide.
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House Progress: The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 152–51 in favor of authorizing alkaline hydrolysis.
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Senate Status: The bill remains under consideration by the Senate. Once passed into law and finalized with state regulatory oversight, local facilities will be permitted to offer human aquamation directly inside Pennsylvania.
What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) is a gentle, water-based process that mimics natural decomposition.
The body is placed in a specialized stainless-steel vessel containing a warm solution of 95% water and 5% alkali (potassium hydroxide). Gentle circulation, warmth, and pressure break down organic tissue. At the end of the process, only soft mineral bone fragments remain. These are dried and reduced into a fine white powder similar to traditional ashes, but typically paler in color and slightly greater in overall volume.
What Does Pennsylvania Law Currently Allow?
Pennsylvania law grants individuals and authorized decision-makers the legal right to choose final disposition methods. Authorized in-state disposition options include:
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Traditional in-ground burial
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Above-ground mausoleum entombment
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Traditional flame-based cremation
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Green burial (in eco-conscious cemeteries without embalming fluids)
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Anatomical body donation to medical science
(Note: Human alkaline hydrolysis facilities remain pending state legislative and regulatory approval).
Can You Have Aquamation If You Live in Pennsylvania?
Yes, through out-of-state arrangements. Living in Pennsylvania does not prevent you from choosing water cremation.
Families in Pennsylvania who prefer aquamation typically work with a licensed local funeral director who coordinates transport to an authorized, active facility in a neighboring state where human aquamation is legal (such as Maryland).
If you are exploring cross-state aquamation options, consider asking your funeral director:
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Which licensed out-of-state facility will perform the procedure?
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What cross-state transit permits and death certificates are required?
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Are all transport fees and out-of-state crematory charges included in the quote?
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How and when will the returned ashes be delivered back to your family in Pennsylvania?
What About Aquamation for Pets in Pennsylvania?
Pet aftercare is governed under agricultural and environmental guidelines rather than human mortuary law.
Pet aquamation is 100% legal and active across Pennsylvania. Veterinary hospitals and private pet aftercare facilities offer water cremation for dogs, cats, and small animals throughout Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and the Lehigh Valley.
Environmental Comparison: Aquamation vs. Flame Cremation
Aquamation is widely recognized as an eco-conscious alternative to traditional flame cremation:
| Feature | Traditional Flame Cremation | Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis) |
| Primary Energy Source | Natural gas or propane (1,400°F–1,800°F) | Warm water & electricity (200°F–300°F) |
| Energy Footprint | High fossil fuel consumption | Uses up to 90% less energy |
| Air Emissions | Direct carbon emissions & combustion gases | Zero direct greenhouse gas stack emissions |
| Surgical Implants | Batteries/pacemakers must be surgically removed prior | Implants remain intact and are safely recovered post-cycle |
| Final Remains | Coarse, dark gray bone fragments | Fine, smooth, pale white powder |
Selecting an Urn for Aquamation Remains
Because aquamation uses water instead of open flame to reduce bone matter, the process yields approximately 20% to 30% more ash volume than traditional flame cremation.
When choosing an adult cremation urn for aquamated remains, internal capacity is crucial:
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Standard Adult Flame Urn: ~200 cubic inches (designed for standard flame ash).
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Aquamation Adult Urn: Recommend 220 to 250+ cubic inches of interior space to comfortably fit all returned remains.
Common memorialization choices include:
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Full-Size Adult Cremation Urns: Handcrafted brass, wood, or ceramic urns for home display or columbarium placement.
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Keepsake Urns & Companion Urns: Mini urns designed for sharing portions of ashes among family members.
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Scattering Urns: Eco-friendly containers designed for land or water ash-scattering ceremonies.
Planning ahead? Explore handcrafted, high-quality Trupoint Memorials Cremation Urns designed with capacity options to safely preserve your loved one's memory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquamation in Pennsylvania
Is aquamation legal in Pennsylvania in 2026?
Human aquamation is not currently authorized for local facility operations in Pennsylvania. However, active legislation (HB 722) has passed the House and remains under consideration. Residents can arrange for aquamation by coordinating transport to an active out-of-state facility.
Can a Pennsylvania resident obtain aquamation in another state?
Yes. Families can work with licensed funeral directors to coordinate cross-state transport to an authorized facility in a state where human aquamation is legal.
Is water cremation the same as aquamation?
Yes. Water cremation, bio-cremation, green cremation, liquid cremation, and alkaline hydrolysis are synonymous terms.
Do I need a special urn for aquamation remains?
Standard urns work well, but because water cremation produces slightly more ash volume, choose a vessel rated for 220+ cubic inches for an average adult.
Who regulates funeral services in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors regulates licensed funeral establishments, practitioners, and disposition standards statewide.
The Bottom Line
While human aquamation facilities are not yet operating inside Pennsylvania, active legislation is paving the way for local authorization. In the meantime, Keystone State residents seeking green water cremation can access services by coordinating cross-state arrangements with a licensed funeral provider.
Disclaimer: Legal statutes and state regulations change over time. This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered formal legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors or a licensed funeral professional before finalizing end-of-life arrangements.
Last reviewed: August 2026