Cremating remains through a process involving water is now approved in Montgomery County, Maryland, with supporters arguing it’s a more sustainable and affordable option.
Water cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis, uses water, alkaline chemicals and heat in a watertight vessel to “accelerate the natural decomposition process,” from the Montgomery County Council.
The council unanimously approved the new zoning amendment to facilitate the process, which is already available in 20 states.
It was legalized in Maryland in 2024 under the .
鈥淔amilies have been asking for this choice because it鈥檚 safe, sustainable, and more affordable than other options,鈥� Montgomery County Council member Natali Fani-Gonz谩lez, who introduced the amendment, said in a news release. 鈥淭his legislation ensures that Montgomery County residents no longer have to look outside our borders to honor their loved ones in a way that reflects both dignity and environmental responsibility.鈥�
Water cremation creates an ash that can then be placed in an urn and returned to families.
The byproduct of water cremation is 95% water, which is “safely discharged as wastewater after pH adjustment,” according to the news release.
There are no direct emissions or smoke from the process, according to the council.
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