Water cremation uses mainly water and alkaline compounds such as potassium hydroxide (lye or potash) to do what would happen naturally, over a longer period, with a natural burial; our bodies become fertilizer for the earth. The reduction of the physical remains to bones happens over a few hours in a water cremation vessel that has a gentle rocking motion. At the end of the alkaline hydrolysis process, the PH is adjusted, all pathogens are neutralized and rendered harmless, any implants are recycled, and the resulting liquid is a sterile and nutrient-rich biofertilizer. Bones remain just as with flame cremation and can be returned to family in the familiar “cremains” form.
