What is alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation?

Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as aquamation, is a method of final disposition for human remains that involves the use of water, alkali, and heat to accelerate the break down the body. This process is sometimes referred to as "water cremation" or "resomation".

During the process, the body is placed in a sealed chamber that is filled with a mixture of water and alkali. The chamber is heated and pressurized, which causes the body to break down into its basic components, including amino acids, peptides, sugars, and salts. The resulting liquid is then drained from the chamber and can be further processed into a sterile liquid that can be used as a fertilizer or disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

The process of alkaline hydrolysis is considered to be more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation, which involves the use of fossil fuels and can release pollutants into the atmosphere. It is also considered to be a more gentle process than cremation, as the body is not exposed to high temperatures and flames.

While the use of alkaline hydrolysis is currently legal in some jurisdictions, it is not yet available in British Columbia.