Frequent Questions

Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a gentle and eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame-based cremation or burial. Here’s how it works:

1. The Process: The body is placed in a stainless-steel vessel filled with a solution of 95% water and 5% potassium hydroxide. This solution is added to warm water and gently circulated in a wave-like motion.

2️. Natural Decomposition: Over several hours, the water and alkaline solution mimic the natural decomposition process, breaking down soft tissues into their natural elements.

3️. Eco-Friendly Outcome: At the end of the process, only two things remain: the mineralized bones, which are processed into a fine powder-like substance and returned to the family, and a sterile, nutrient-rich liquid, which can be safely returned to the Earth.

Compared to traditional cremation, water cremation uses 90% less energy and produces no harmful emissions, making it a truly sustainable choice.

At the end of the water cremation cycle, what remains is a sterile, organic liquid called effluent or essence, alongside clean bone minerals. This liquid consists strictly of natural organic compounds—such as amino acids, salts, carbohydrates, and peptides—with absolutely no tissue, DNA, or compounds remaining. It is a completely sterile fluid that is safely returned to the municipal water system, where it is treated and cycled back into the environment just like any other household or funeral home wastewater would be. 

Yes, completely. The water cremation process is exceptionally clean and poses zero risk to our local ecosystem or community safety. Unlike flame cremation, which releases carbon dioxide, mercury, and airborne particulate matter into our atmosphere, water cremation produces zero direct greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants. It is a closed, contained process that represents the greenest, most sustainable evolution in modern death care.

Absolutely. Water Cremation of Kansas City operates under strict compliance with all local, state, and federal guidelines. Before opening our doors, our facility undergoes a rigorous industrial pretreatment review and permitting process with local water and environmental authorities. We ensure our water meets exact city pH, temperature, and organic compound thresholds before it ever leaves our facility, guaranteeing full safety and transparency at every level.

Yes. Under Kansas Statute § 65-1760 (e), the state legally defines cremation to include any "mechanical and/or other dissolution process." Because the state regulatory board (Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts) governs this process under standard crematory licensing guidelines, our upcoming facility is fully supported by Kansas law. We are working closely with city planning, zoning, and regulatory boards to ensure our building aligns perfectly with all local commercial, funeral, and crematory  establishment codes.

The cost of water cremation is comparable to traditional flame cremation. At Water Cremation of Kansas City, we offer transparent pricing along optional customizable options to meet the needs of every family. Our pricing includes transportation to our facility, the water cremation process, basic services of funeral director and staff, one (1) certified copy of the death certificate, and an urn. Whether you're looking for a simple, dignified process or something more, we’re here to walk you through every detail and help you choose what’s right for you. Please call us for specific pricing and to learn more about your options.