If you are searching for “Is aquamation legal in Texas?”, the short answer is: No, aquamation is not currently authorized as a general method of final disposition for human remains in Texas.
Aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation, flameless cremation, or green cremation, is an alternative to traditional flame cremation. While a number of U.S. states have legalized or regulated alkaline hydrolysis for human remains, Texas has not yet enacted legislation authorizing it for general consumer funeral services.
Texas has considered legislation that would legalize aquamation, including Senate Bill 1327 in 2025, but the bill did not become law.
If you are considering aquamation for yourself or a loved one, this guide explains the current Texas law, what has changed, what options may be available, and what to know before making funeral arrangements.
Is Aquamation Legal in Texas?
No. As of August 2026, aquamation is not authorized in Texas as a general method of final disposition for human remains.
Texas regulates cremation and other forms of disposition through its Health and Safety Code and Occupations Code, with the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) overseeing the state's funeral service and crematory industry.
The current Texas statutes do not include alkaline hydrolysis within the general definition of cremation for consumer funeral services. The TFSC has also stated that state statute does not authorize the use of alkaline hydrolysis for general human disposition.
This means that a Texas funeral home or crematory cannot simply begin offering aquamation as an alternative to flame cremation without the necessary statutory and regulatory authority.
What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation is a form of alkaline hydrolysis that uses water, heat, and an alkaline solution to accelerate the natural decomposition of human or animal remains.
Instead of using a flame, the process uses an alkaline solution inside a specialized vessel. After the process is complete, the remaining bone material is processed similarly to cremated remains.
The terms aquamation, alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation, flameless cremation, and green cremation are often used to describe the same general process.
Aquamation is increasingly discussed as an alternative to traditional cremation because it does not rely on direct flame and is often marketed as a lower-impact form of disposition.
Why Isn't Aquamation Legal in Texas?
Texas law establishes the legal framework for the disposition of human remains and regulates crematories through state statutes and the Texas Funeral Service Commission.
The current framework does not authorize alkaline hydrolysis as a general method of human disposition.
Texas lawmakers have repeatedly introduced legislation that would change this.
Texas Aquamation Legislation
One of the more recent efforts was Senate Bill 1327 (SB 1327), introduced by Senator Nathan Johnson during the 89th Texas Legislature in 2025.
The bill proposed changing Texas law so that cremation could include the reduction of human remains through alkaline hydrolysis. It also proposed allowing the Texas Funeral Service Commission to establish rules governing the process and facilities used for alkaline hydrolysis.
SB 1327 was referred to the Senate Business & Commerce Committee on February 28, 2025, but it did not become law during the 2025 legislative session.
As a result, Texas law did not change to generally authorize human aquamation.
What Does Texas Law Currently Allow?
Texas law gives individuals and authorized representatives the right to control the disposition of human remains, subject to the state's applicable laws and regulations.
Traditional options include methods such as:
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Burial
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Entombment
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Traditional flame cremation
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Certain forms of anatomical donation and disposition
Aquamation is different because it requires specific legal authorization and regulatory standards for facilities and equipment. Those requirements have not been established for general consumer aquamation services in Texas.
For the most current information, consult the Texas Funeral Service Commission and the current Texas Health and Safety Code before making arrangements.
Can You Have Aquamation If You Live in Texas?
Living in Texas does not necessarily mean that you must choose traditional burial or flame cremation.
Some families interested in aquamation investigate out-of-state arrangements, where the disposition takes place in a state that legally permits alkaline hydrolysis.
However, this is not something that should be assumed to be available in every situation.
If you are considering an out-of-state arrangement, ask the provider:
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Where will the aquamation actually take place?
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Is the facility legally authorized to perform alkaline hydrolysis?
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Who is responsible for transporting the deceased?
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Which funeral home or licensed provider will handle the arrangements?
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What documentation and permits are required?
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How long will transportation and the aquamation process take?
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How and when will the resulting remains be returned to the family?
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What are the total transportation, funeral, and aquamation costs?
Because transportation and funeral regulations can vary by state, arrangements should be confirmed directly with the licensed funeral provider before making a decision.
What About Aquamation for Pets in Texas?
Pet aftercare is regulated differently from human funeral services.
Aquamation may be available for pets through individual animal aftercare providers in Texas, but availability is provider-specific. A pet aquamation service operating in Texas should be verified directly before making arrangements.
If you are looking for aquamation for a dog, cat, horse, or other companion animal, ask the provider whether:
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The service is currently available in your area
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The facility performs the aquamation itself
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The remains are returned individually
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Private or communal aquamation is offered
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Transportation is included
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A certificate or documentation of individual aftercare is provided
Human aquamation and pet aquamation should not be treated as legally identical services.
Will Texas Legalize Aquamation?
Texas has considered legislation to legalize alkaline hydrolysis for human remains, but Texas has not yet enacted a general aquamation law.
The 2025 legislative proposal, SB 1327, would have explicitly added alkaline hydrolysis to the state's definition of cremation and established a framework for regulating the process.
The bill did not become law.
Because funeral and disposition laws can change through future legislative sessions, anyone planning ahead should verify the current status with the Texas Funeral Service Commission or Texas Legislature Online.
Is Aquamation More Environmentally Friendly Than Cremation?
Aquamation is often promoted as an environmentally conscious alternative to flame cremation.
The two processes are fundamentally different:
Traditional cremation
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Uses direct flame and high heat
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Requires a cremation chamber
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Produces emissions associated with combustion
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Produces processed bone fragments as cremated remains
Aquamation
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Uses water, heat, and alkaline chemistry
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Does not use direct flame
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Produces bone fragments that can be processed into remains
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Produces a liquid byproduct that is handled according to applicable regulations
The environmental impact depends on the technology, facility, energy source, water use, wastewater treatment, and other operating conditions. Therefore, claims that aquamation is universally “green” or has zero environmental impact should be treated cautiously.
What Happens to the Remains After Aquamation?
After alkaline hydrolysis is complete, the remaining bone material is processed into a form comparable to cremated remains.
The family can generally choose products and memorial options designed to hold cremated or aquamated remains, depending on the provider and the final form of the remains.
This can include:
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Full-size memorial urns
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Keepsake urns
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Companion urns
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Jewelry and memorial keepsakes
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Scattering urns
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Burial urns
If you are planning ahead, you can select an urn before the aquamation or cremation takes place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquamation in Texas
Is aquamation legal in Texas in 2026?
No. As of August 2026, Texas does not generally authorize alkaline hydrolysis as a method of final disposition for human remains.
What is aquamation?
Aquamation is another name commonly used for alkaline hydrolysis, a process that uses water, heat, and alkaline chemistry rather than direct flame to reduce human or animal remains.
Is water cremation legal in Texas?
For human remains, water cremation is not currently authorized as a general method of final disposition in Texas. “Water cremation” is another common term for aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis.
Can a Texas resident have aquamation in another state?
Potentially. Families may investigate arranging transportation to a state where alkaline hydrolysis is legally authorized. Requirements depend on the states involved and the licensed providers handling the transportation and disposition.
Did Texas pass an aquamation law in 2025?
No. Senate Bill 1327, which would have authorized cremation through alkaline hydrolysis, was introduced in 2025 but did not become law.
Who regulates funeral services in Texas?
The Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) is the state agency responsible for regulating the death-care industry in Texas, including funeral establishments and crematory establishments.
Is aquamation the same as cremation?
Aquamation and traditional flame cremation are different processes, although both reduce remains to bone material that can subsequently be processed and returned to a family.
Aquamation uses alkaline hydrolysis rather than direct flame.
Can I buy an urn before choosing aquamation?
Yes. Many urns designed for cremated remains can also be appropriate for remains produced through aquamation. However, always confirm the expected volume and form of the remains with the provider before purchasing an urn.
Planning Ahead for Aquamation in Texas
If you prefer aquamation but live in Texas, planning ahead can give your family more options.
Consider documenting your preferences, researching licensed providers, understanding transportation requirements, and selecting a memorial urn in advance.
Because laws can change, revisit your plan periodically and verify the current Texas regulations before relying on an older plan.
The Bottom Line
Aquamation is not currently legal for general human disposition in Texas.
Texas lawmakers have considered legislation that would legalize and regulate alkaline hydrolysis, most recently through SB 1327 in 2025, but that legislation did not become law.
If you want aquamation, your options may include monitoring future Texas legislation or investigating a legally permitted out-of-state arrangement with an appropriately licensed provider.
For families choosing between traditional cremation, burial, and future aquamation options, planning ahead can make the process significantly easier.
Sources and legal references: Texas Funeral Service Commission; Texas Health and Safety Code; Texas Occupations Code; Texas Legislature Online. Laws and regulations can change, so this article should not be considered legal advice. Verify current requirements with the appropriate state agency or licensed funeral professional before making final arrangements.
Last reviewed: August 2026