A funeral home's apology to a neighbour who discovered unpleasant liquid seeping through their fence has shone a spotlight on water cremation, one of Australia's most talked-about new funeral options.
But beyond the unfortunate mishap in Townsville lies a fascinating story about a technology that's quietly revolutionising how Australians think about their final farewell.
When Townsville Cremations' water cremation machine malfunctioned recently, it wasn't just an embarrassing spillage—it was the kind of incident that highlights how new this technology still is in Australia.
The funeral home, which has performed more than 500 water cremations in the past year and a half, experienced what owner Neville Boyle described as a sensor failure that caused alkaline solution to seep through a boundary wall into a neighbour's backyard.
The neighbour, understandably concerned by the odour and mess, was initially told to use kitty litter to clean up the spill. While the business insisted the spillage was 'non-contaminant and pollutant-free,' the incident raises important questions about oversight and safety protocols for this emerging industry.
What exactly is water cremation?
Water cremation, scientifically known as alkaline hydrolysis, uses water, heat and alkaline chemicals to dissolve body tissues, leaving just bone fragments behind. The process mimics natural decomposition but accelerates it dramatically from years to just a few hours.
How water cremation works
The body is placed in a stainless steel pressure vessel filled with water and potassium hydroxide, heated to around 160°C. Over 4-6 hours, tissues dissolve completely, leaving sterile bone fragments that are ground into powder, just like traditional cremation ashes.
Families receive 20-30 per cent more ashes than traditional fire cremation, and the bone fragments are often whiter and finer in texture. The process also preserves metal implants in pristine condition, allowing for more effective recycling.
The cost reality check
Here's where water cremation might surprise many Australian families: it costs around $5,000-$6,000 compared to traditional cremation's $800-$1,200. In some markets, providers charge up to $5,000 for water cremation versus $1,700 for fire cremation.
The higher cost reflects the specialised equipment required—alkaline hydrolysis machines can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, compared to traditional cremation retorts which are far less expensive to purchase and operate.
Where can you find it?
Water cremation is currently legal in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and South Australia. However, availability is limited:
Australia currently has just four alkaline hydrolysis providers: one NSW-based facility at Moama (just over the Victorian border), operations in Townsville and Mackay in North Queensland, and a new facility in Tasmania.
Services are also planned for Brisbane before the end of 2025, with the Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Gold Coast, Cairns and Sydney being explored for future locations.
'We are thrilled to introduce water cremation to Australia as a compassionate and sustainable option for families during their time of loss'
The environmental question marks
Proponents claim water cremation uses 90 per cent less energy than traditional cremation and produces fewer carbon emissions. They point out that fire cremation emits about the same CO2 as driving from Melbourne to Perth.
However, critics note that environmental claims are largely uncontested, with no peer-reviewed studies and data readily available. Without accessible, peer-reviewed data, consumers are left to the mercy of PR messaging.
Questions to ask your water cremation provider
- How is the nutrient-rich alkaline water treated after the process?
- Where does the liquid waste end up?
- What environmental studies support their green claims?
- What backup systems prevent equipment failures?
- How do costs compare to traditional options for your specific needs?
Regulatory oversight concerns
The Townsville incident highlights a gap that's troubling some industry observers. While some funeral directors are calling for stronger regulation, others resist it. Alkaline hydrolysis providers have had to navigate requirements from both state and local governments, but oversight varies significantly.
Even in Scotland, where the government is considering regulation, consultation responses have called for proper oversight from environmental authorities and suggested more research should be carried out.
What this means for Australian families
Water cremation is increasingly becoming available across Australia, with services now offered in Townsville, Mackay, Brisbane, and soon across Sydney. For many families, it represents a middle ground between traditional burial and cremation.
The gentler process appeals to those who find traditional cremation distressing, and some cultures prefer to keep mineral remains as whole as possible for ceremonial burial. Water cremation's gentleness makes this more feasible.
Notable figures like Archbishop Desmond Tutu have chosen water cremation, helping to raise its profile globally.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Water cremation isn't entirely new—the process was originally patented in 1888 as a method to process animal carcasses into plant food, and the first human alkaline hydrolysis system was installed at the Mayo Clinic in 2005.
The future of choice
While water cremation was initially limited to North America, its reach is growing year on year, with Australia, New Zealand, and European countries increasingly interested in the technology.
The Townsville incident, while unfortunate, doesn't diminish the legitimacy of water cremation as a funeral option. Rather, it underscores the need for robust safety protocols and proper regulatory oversight as this industry matures.
As funeral industry advocate Lisa Herbert puts it: 'It's all about making an informed decision that's right for you or your loved one, whether it's water cremation or the more traditional methods of burial or fire cremation.'
What This Means For You
For Australian families considering their options, water cremation offers a genuine alternative—but one that requires careful research into providers, costs, and environmental claims. If you're considering water cremation, experts recommend visiting facilities, meeting operators, and doing your homework on environmental credentials.
The choice ultimately comes down to personal values, budget, and availability in your area. As this industry continues to evolve, one hopes that incidents like Townsville's remain rare learning opportunities rather than recurring problems.
What are your thoughts on water cremation as a funeral option? Have you or someone you know considered this alternative, and what factors would be most important to you in making such a decision?
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Water Cremation In Australia: A Full Guide—Mornington Green Legacy Gardens
Cited text: Water cremation in Australia, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, liquid cremation, or bio-cremation, uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to reduc...
Excerpt: When Townsville Cremations' water cremation machine malfunctioned recently, it wasn't just an embarrassing spillage—it was the kind of incident that highlights how new this technology still is in Australia.
https://morningtongreen.com.au/water-cremation-in-australia-a-full-guide/
Water Cremation in Australia: 'The Gentle Way' -
Cited text: In Townsville there has been more than 500 Gentle Way processes since opening a year and a half ago.
Excerpt: When Townsville Cremations' water cremation machine malfunctioned recently, it wasn't just an embarrassing spillage—it was the kind of incident that highlights how new this technology still is in Australia.
https://thegentleway.com.au/2025/01/09/water-cremation-in-australia-the-gentle-way/
Water Cremation In Australia: A Full Guide—Mornington Green Legacy Gardens
Cited text: While water cremation in Australia costs around $5,000-$6,000 in places where it is legal.
Excerpt: While the business insisted the spillage was 'non-contaminant and pollutant free,' the incident raises important questions about oversight and safety protocols for this emerging industry.
https://morningtongreen.com.au/water-cremation-in-australia-a-full-guide/
Alluvium Water Cremations
Cited text: Water cremation, scientifically known as alkaline hydrolysis, utilises a gentle, water-based process to respectfully return the body to its natural el...
Excerpt: Water cremation, scientifically known as alkaline hydrolysis, uses water, heat and alkaline chemicals to dissolve body tissues, leaving just bone fragments behind.
https://alluviumwatercremations.com.au/
Water cremation—Wikipedia
Cited text: The process is based on alkaline hydrolysis: the body is placed in a pressure vessel which is then filled with a mixture of water and potassium hydrox...
Excerpt: The body is placed in a stainless steel pressure vessel filled with water and potassium hydroxide, heated to around 160°C.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_cremation
Alluvium Water Cremations
Cited text: Yes, with 20-30 per cent more ashes than one would receive from a flame cremation. At the end of the process, the inorganic remains of the body (the calcium p...
Excerpt: Families receive 20-30 per cent more ashes than traditional fire cremation, and the bone fragments are often whiter and finer in texture.
https://alluviumwatercremations.com.au/
State, Baltimore officials look to 'water cremation' as a greener way to move on—Maryland Matters
Cited text: He said that water cremation costs about $5,000, due to the chemicals needed to process the body, whereas typical fire-based cremation can cost about ...
Excerpt: In some markets, providers charge up to $5,000 for water cremation versus $1,700 for fire cremation.
https://marylandmatters.org/2024/11...k-to-water-cremation-as-a-greener-way-to-die/
The Real Cost Of Water Cremation Explained
Cited text: The single biggest factor pushing the price is the specialized equipment.
Excerpt: The higher cost reflects the specialised equipment required—alkaline hydrolysis machines can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, compared to traditional cremation retorts which are far less expensive to purchase and operate.
https://www.cremation.green/cost-of-water-cremation/
The Real Cost Of Water Cremation Explained
Cited text: These are sophisticated, high-pressure vessels made of stainless steel, and they can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Excerpt: The higher cost reflects the specialised equipment required—alkaline hydrolysis machines can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, compared to traditional cremation retorts which are far less expensive to purchase and operate.
https://www.cremation.green/cost-of-water-cremation/
Water Cremation In Australia: A Full Guide—Mornington Green Legacy Gardens
Cited text: It is an eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation that is only legal in NSW and Tasmania.
Excerpt: Water cremation is currently legal in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and South Australia.
https://morningtongreen.com.au/water-cremation-in-australia-a-full-guide/
Water Cremation in Australia: 'The Gentle Way' -
Cited text: Yes, The Gentle Way is a legal and recognised method of body disposition in several Australian states, including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland...
Excerpt: Water cremation is currently legal in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and South Australia.
https://thegentleway.com.au/2025/01/09/water-cremation-in-australia-the-gentle-way/
Water cremation—Wikipedia
Cited text: Aquamation based in New South Wales is the only company to provide alkaline hydrolysis in Australia, with the remains being used as fertilizer on plan...
Excerpt: Australia currently has just four alkaline hydrolysis providers: one NSW-based facility at Moama (just over the Victorian border), operations in Townsville and Mackay in North Queensland, and a new facility in Tasmania.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_cremation
The new wave of body disposal: alkaline hydrolysis | The Bottom Drawer Book
Cited text: There are three other alkaline hydrolysis providers in Australia (one is Vic-based with a facility at Moama in NSW, just over the Victorian border, an...
Excerpt: Australia currently has just four alkaline hydrolysis providers: one NSW-based facility at Moama (just over the Victorian border), operations in Townsville and Mackay in North Queensland, and a new facility in Tasmania.
https://thebottomdrawerbook.com.au/2024/06/16/the-new-wave-of-body-disposal-alkaline-hydrolysis/
The new wave of body disposal: alkaline hydrolysis | The Bottom Drawer Book
Cited text: Update: 20/6/24—Alkaline hydrolysis will be available in Brisbane before the end of the year. It’s also planned for the Sunshine Coast and Rockhampt...
Excerpt: Services are also planned for Brisbane before the end of 2025, with the Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Gold Coast, Cairns and Sydney being explored for future locations.
https://thebottomdrawerbook.com.au/2024/06/16/the-new-wave-of-body-disposal-alkaline-hydrolysis/
Aquamation® - Only Provider in Australia
Cited text: Aquamation® uses less than 10 per cent of the energy of a traditional fire cremation, which significantly reduces emissions, and is more efficient compared to...
Excerpt: Proponents claim water cremation uses 90 per cent less energy than traditional cremation and produces fewer carbon emissions.
https://environmentallyfriendlycremations.com.au/
Water cremation—Wikipedia
Cited text: This alkaline hydrolysis process has been championed by a number of ecological campaigning groups, for using 90 kWh of electricity, one-quarter the en...
Excerpt: Proponents claim water cremation uses 90 per cent less energy than traditional cremation and produces fewer carbon emissions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_cremation
Aquamation® - Only Provider in Australia
Cited text: A fire cremation emits about the same amount of CO2 as driving a car from Melbourne to Perth, totalling about 40 million kilograms of carbon per year....
Excerpt: They point out that fire cremation emits about the same CO2 as driving from Melbourne to Perth.
https://environmentallyfriendlycremations.com.au/
The new wave of body disposal: alkaline hydrolysis | The Bottom Drawer Book
Cited text: And that’s hard to do because the claims of being environmentally friendly are uncontested, with no peer-reviewed studies and data available.
Excerpt: critics note that environmental claims are largely uncontested, with no peer-reviewed studies and data readily available.
https://thebottomdrawerbook.com.au/2024/06/16/the-new-wave-of-body-disposal-alkaline-hydrolysis/
The new wave of body disposal: alkaline hydrolysis | The Bottom Drawer Book
Cited text: Without accessible, peer-reviewed data, consumers are left to the mercy of PR messaging.
Excerpt: Without accessible, peer-reviewed data, consumers are left to the mercy of PR messaging.
https://thebottomdrawerbook.com.au/2024/06/16/the-new-wave-of-body-disposal-alkaline-hydrolysis/
The new wave of body disposal: alkaline hydrolysis | The Bottom Drawer Book
Cited text: Some funeral directors are screaming out for regulation, others don’t want a bar of it. Alkaline hydrolysis providers have had to jump through hoops t...
Excerpt: While some funeral directors are calling for stronger regulation, others resist it.
https://thebottomdrawerbook.com.au/2024/06/16/the-new-wave-of-body-disposal-alkaline-hydrolysis/
5. Findings—Alkaline Hydrolysis (water cremation) regulation: consultation analysis report—gov.scot
Cited text: They commented on the need for proper oversight from SEPA or Scottish Water. A few responses suggested that more research should be carried out .
Excerpt: Even in Scotland, where the government is considering regulation, consultation responses have called for proper oversight from environmental authorities and suggested more research should be carried out.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/s...-hydrolysis-scotland-water-cremation/pages/6/
Water Cremation in Australia: 'The Gentle Way' -
Cited text: In Australia, The Gentle Way is increasingly becoming available, with services offered in Townsville, Mackay, Brisbane & soon the whole of Sydney.
Excerpt: Water cremation is increasingly becoming available across Australia, with services now offered in Townsville, Mackay, Brisbane, and soon across Sydney.
https://thegentleway.com.au/2025/01/09/water-cremation-in-australia-the-gentle-way/
Alkaline Hydrolysis Cremation: Your Complete Guide
Cited text: Notably, alkaline hydrolysis retains approximately 20 per cent more remains than traditional cremation, providing families with a more complete return of thei...
Excerpt: The gentler process appeals to those who find traditional cremation distressing, and some cultures prefer to keep mineral remains as whole as possible for ceremonial burial.
https://www.cremation.green/alkaline-hydrolysis-cremation/
Alluvium Water Cremations
Cited text: Some cultures wish to keep the mineral remains as whole as possible for ceremonial burial, and because water cremation is so gentle to the remains, it...
Excerpt: The gentler process appeals to those who find traditional cremation distressing, and some cultures prefer to keep mineral remains as whole as possible for ceremonial burial.
https://alluviumwatercremations.com.au/
Water cremation—Wikipedia
Cited text: Desmond Tutu, former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, was aquamated, per his wish.
Excerpt: Notable figures like Archbishop Desmond Tutu have chosen water cremation, helping to raise its profile globally.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_cremation
Water cremation—Wikipedia
Cited text: The process was patented by Amos Herbert Hobson in 1888 as a method to process animal carcasses into plant food.
Excerpt: Water cremation isn't entirely new—the process was originally patented in 1888 as a method to process animal carcasses into plant food, and the first human alkaline hydrolysis system was installed at the Mayo Clinic in 2005.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_cremation
Water cremation—Wikipedia
Cited text: The Eastern Orthodox Church does not allow cremation.
Excerpt: Water cremation isn't entirely new—the process was originally patented in 1888 as a method to process animal carcasses into plant food, and the first human alkaline hydrolysis system was installed at the Mayo Clinic in 2005.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_cremation
Full article: Alkaline hydrolysis and its affordances
Cited text: First introduced as a funerary option in the early twenty-first century but initially limited to North America, the reach of alkaline hydrolysis (AH) ...
Excerpt: While water cremation was initially limited to North America, its reach is growing year on year, with Australia, New Zealand, and European countries increasingly interested in the technology.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13576275.2024.2445852
Full article: Alkaline hydrolysis and its affordances
Cited text: The global status of AH largely remains in its infancy, but momentum is building: in the last few years alone, popular attention of AH, legalisation e...
Excerpt: While water cremation was initially limited to North America, its reach is growing year on year, with Australia, New Zealand, and European countries increasingly interested in the technology.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13576275.2024.2445852
The new wave of body disposal: alkaline hydrolysis | The Bottom Drawer Book
Cited text: It’s all about making an informed decision that’s right for you or your loved one, whether it’s water cremation or the more traditional methods of bur...
Excerpt: As funeral industry advocate Lisa Herbert puts it: 'It's all about making an informed decision that's right for you or your loved one, whether it's water cremation or the more traditional methods of burial or fire cremation.'
https://thebottomdrawerbook.com.au/2024/06/16/the-new-wave-of-body-disposal-alkaline-hydrolysis/
The new wave of body disposal: alkaline hydrolysis | The Bottom Drawer Book
Cited text: If you’re keen to utilise alkaline hydrolysis, go and meet the operators and check out their facilities and equipment to find out if their version of ...
Excerpt: If you're considering water cremation, experts recommend visiting facilities, meeting operators, and doing your homework on environmental credentials.
https://thebottomdrawerbook.com.au/2024/06/16/the-new-wave-of-body-disposal-alkaline-hydrolysis/
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