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“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”

— John Muir 

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

–  Native American Proverb 

You’ve been hearing about aquamation, also called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, and you’re wondering if it’s available in British Columbia. Maybe you care deeply about your environmental footprint, or perhaps you’re looking for an end-of-life option that feels gentler and more aligned with your values. 

These are good questions to ask. And we believe you deserve honest answers. Here’s the truth: as of 2026, aquamation is not yet legal in BC. But that doesn’t mean your environmental values can’t be honored. Let’s walk through what aquamation actually is, why it’s not available here yet, and what green options you do have right now in the Fraser Valley. 

What is Aquamation?

Aquamation, scientifically known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is a process that uses water, alkaline chemicals (potassium hydroxide), heat, and pressure to gently break down the body. It mimics the natural decomposition process that would happen over many years in the earth but accelerates it into a matter of hours. If you’d like to understand via a visual medium, here’s a good resource.

Why People Want Aquamation

The appeal is clear, Aquamation uses about 90% less energy than flame-based cremation. It produces no direct carbon emissions and doesn’t release mercury or other particulates into the air. If you are a person who deeply cares for the environment, this feels like a final act of consistency. It’s also seen as a gentler process. There’s no fire, no high heat and hence you may find comfort in that. We understand why this matters to you. If you’ve lived your life trying to tread lightly on the earth, it makes sense that you’d want your loved ones passing to reflect those same values. 

The Legal Reality in British Columbia (2026)

Right now, aquamation is not approved in BC under the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act. The provincial government has not yet updated the regulations to allow alkaline hydrolysis as a legal method of disposition. 

This isn’t unique to BC. Across Canada, the regulatory landscape for aquamation is evolving slowly. Some provinces, like Saskatchewan and Ontario, have legalized it. Others, including BC, are still reviewing the process, studying environmental impacts, and determining how to regulate it safely. 

We don’t know exactly when BC will approve aquamation, but we’re watching closely. When the law changes, we’ll be ready to offer it as an option for families who want it. 

Green Burial: A Natural Alternative Available Now

If reducing your environmental impact is what matters most, there is another option available to you right now in British Columbia: green burial, also called natural burial. 

Green burial skips embalming, metal caskets, and concrete vaults. The Fraser Valley is home to several natural burial sites that allow for this kind of return to the earth. These spaces are often conservation areas, protected from development, and designed to preserve the natural landscape. 

At Compassionate Cremation, we can help connect you with green burial providers in the region. While we specialize in direct cremation, we understand if burial feels more aligned with their beliefs and values. We’re here to guide you to the right choice, not just our service. 

How Does Traditional Cremation Compare?

We know flame-based cremation isn’t as green as aquamation or natural burial. But it’s also not the environmental disaster some people assume. 

Here’s what modern cremation looks like: 

  • No embalming chemicals. We use refrigeration, not formaldehyde. That means no toxic chemicals leaching into the groundwater.
  • No expensive caskets or vaults. Direct cremation uses a simple combustible container, which reduces waste and resource consumption. 
  • Controlled emissions. Modern crematories are regulated and use filtration systems to minimize air pollution. 

Respecting Your Values While Working Within the Law

We know this might not be the answer you were hoping for. You wanted aquamation, and it’s not here yet. But we believe the next best thing we can offer you is honesty. We’re not going to oversell what we do or pretend we have options that we don’t. What we can do is help you make the most environmentally responsible choice available under BC law in 2026. 

And when aquamation becomes legal in BC, we’ll be here to offer it. 

 

Conclusion: Choosing With Your Values in Mind

The question “What is aquamation?” reflects something deeper: you want your final act to be consistent with how you lived. That matters. And even though the law hasn’t caught up yet, there are still ways to honor your environmental values here in British Columbia. 

At Compassionate Cremation, we’re committed to being transparent, informed, and ready to evolve as the options expand. Whether you’re considering direct cremation, exploring green burial, or simply planning ahead, we’re here to walk you through what’s legal, what’s possible, and what feels right for you. 

Ready to explore your options? Visit our Online Pre-planning Page or contact us directly to discuss green alternatives in the Fraser Valley. 

FAQs

Aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, uses a water-based alkaline solution, heat, and pressure to gently break down the body. The process mimics natural decomposition but happens in hours instead of years. What remains are bone fragments, which are processed into ash and returned to the family, just like traditional cremation. 

No. As of January 2026, aquamation is not yet approved in British Columbia under the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act. The provincial government is still reviewing the process and has not updated regulations to permit alkaline hydrolysis as a legal method of disposition. 

We don’t have a firm timeline. Some Canadian provinces, like Ontario and Saskatchewan, have already legalized aquamation, but BC has not yet followed. We’re monitoring the regulatory landscape closely and will offer aquamation as soon as it becomes legally available. 

Green burial, also called natural burial, involves placing the body in a biodegradable shroud or simple wooden casket without embalming, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. The Fraser Valley has several natural burial sites that are conservation-focused and allow for a return to the earth. We can help connect you with local green burial providers.

Traditional flame-based cremation does use energy and produces some emissions, but it’s far more eco-friendly than conventional burial with embalming, metal caskets, and concrete vaults. At Compassionate Cremation, we use refrigeration instead of embalming chemicals, which eliminates formaldehyde from the process. Modern crematories also use emission controls to minimize environmental impact. 

Yes. You can state your preference for aquamation in your pre-planning documents with the understanding that if it becomes legal before your passing, we’ll honor that wish. If it’s still not available at the time of need, your executor can choose from the legal options available, such as direct cremation or green burial. 

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