Is water cremation—also called alkaline hydrolysis—legal in Ohio as of 2026? Yes, it is permitted under the state’s revised burial and cremation statutes, provided the facility holds a valid alkaline hydrolysis license and follows the health‑department regulations that took effect in 2024. Ohio now treats hydrolysis as a complementary disposition method to traditional flame cremation, offering families a non‑combustion option that meets environmental and consumer‑choice standards.
Ohio’s Legal Framework
In 2023 the Ohio General Assembly amended the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5113 to include “alkaline hydrolysis” alongside “cremation” as a recognized method of final disposition. The amendment (Ohio Rev. Code § 5113.61) requires each provider to obtain a specific hydrolysis license from the State Board of Funeral Service and to submit annual compliance reports. The law also mandates that the process be performed in a licensed facility equipped with a certified water‑reclamation system to prevent untreated discharge.
Regulatory Requirements
A licensed hydrolysis provider must:
- Use a pressurized, temperature‑controlled chamber that maintains the solution at 85‑95 °C and a pH of 12‑14.
- Ensure the liquid effluent is treated through a municipal wastewater system or an on‑site filtration unit approved by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Retain a signed consent form from the next‑of‑kin that explicitly authorizes alkaline hydrolysis.
Failure to comply can result in revocation of the provider’s license and civil penalties under Ohio Rev. Code § 5113.62.
Process and Provider Considerations
Families should verify that the funeral home or crematory holds a current hydrolysis license and that the staff is trained in handling the chemical reagents (potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide). Most providers now offer a choice of urns for the resulting calcium‑phosphate ash, which is similar in weight to traditional cremains. Because the process eliminates the need for a flame, it reduces carbon emissions by up to 70 % compared with conventional cremation, a point highlighted in the Ohio Department of Health’s 2025 sustainability report.
Future Outlook for 2026
Legislative interest in expanding non‑combustion options continues. A 2025 bill proposes to add alkaline hydrolysis to the state’s “green burial” tax incentives, potentially lowering costs for families who choose the method. Additionally, several rural counties are streamlining the permit‑approval process to increase access in underserved areas.
Key Takeaways
- Water cremation is legal in Ohio as of 2026, subject to licensing and environmental controls.
- The process is regulated under Ohio Rev. Code § 5113.61 and must meet EPA wastewater standards.
- Families should confirm provider credentials and consent documentation before proceeding.
- Environmental benefits are significant, and upcoming policy changes may make the option more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ohio require a separate permit for alkaline hydrolysis?
Yes. Providers must obtain a dedicated hydrolysis license from the State Board of Funeral Service, distinct from a traditional cremation license.
Can the liquid by‑product be discharged into the municipal sewer system?
Only if it has been processed through a certified filtration system that meets Ohio EPA standards for pH and chemical composition.
Are there any religious restrictions on water cremation in Ohio?
The state does not impose religious restrictions; however, individual faith groups may have doctrinal positions that families should consider.
How does the cost of water cremation compare to flame cremation?
Current pricing ranges from $1,200 to $1,600, roughly 10‑20 % higher than conventional cremation, though forthcoming tax incentives could narrow the gap.
What happens to the remaining bone fragments after the process?
The alkaline solution dissolves soft tissue, leaving only mineralized bone ash. This ash is rinsed, dried, and placed in an urn for the family’s use.