Water Cremation
Serving Denver, Colorado and Beyond
Water Cremation is a gentle, eco-friendly process, allowing our loved ones to live on in the natural world around us.
Featured in
Water Cremation Uses 90% Less Energy Than Fire Cremation*
A Single Fire Cremation is Like Driving 600 Miles in Your Car**
*Source: Bio Response Solutions
**Source: Matthews Environmental Solutions as stated in National Geographic and calculated by EPA calculator.
Arrange now if a death has occurred or is near.
Plan ahead for the future.
How Water Cremation Works
A Loved One is Placed in a Stainless Steel Vessel
A special stainless steel vessel designed for Water Cremation with a permanent metal basket is used for the process.
Highly Alkaline Water Mimics Natural Decomposition
Potassium hydroxide (an alkaline chemical) is added to the vessel. Highly alkaline water mimics natural decomposition using 90% less energy than fire cremation. The water heats to 199 degrees Fahrenheit and circulates for 18-20 hours mimicking natural decomposition.
Skeletal Remains are Returned as “Ashes”
The skeletal remains are left in the chamber and then are air-dried, and processed into a powder as “ashes”.
Water (Tree Tea) is Returned to the Soil
The remaining water (Tree Tea) is a sterile solution that acts as a natural fertilizer and is returned to the soil at one of our land partners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Cremation
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Because the water byproduct is returned to the land at places like The Wild Animal Sanctuary and Evergreen Memorial Park, it is nourishing trees, grasses, flowers, and more. You can also work with our team to plant a dedicated memorial tree with the ashes.
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Ashes from any cremation, fire or water, consist of mostly bone material. The ashes returned are extremely similar to the ashes from a flame cremation, but they tend to be whiter in color. In fact, the process results in up to 20% more ashes. The ashes (also known as cremated remains) result from the skeletal remains left after the process.
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Yes. We can help facilitate a natural viewing (no embalming) so you and your family or friends can have a final goodbye. They are shrouded with sheet and placed on a medical cot without a casket to create a more natural and serene experience.
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The liquid byproduct of water cremation is a nontoxic solution of amino acids, peptides, sugars, and soap, which makes a wonderful fertilizer. We call this liquid Tree Tea™. Families may take some Tree Tea™ home to water trees and plants in their personal gardens. Any remaining will be used on land across various Colorado properties ranging from grasslands to forest.
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Pacemakers, joint replacements, fillings, and more can be safely recovered and recycled.
Arranging Water Cremation with Us
Here are the steps you’ll experience when working with our team.
Your Loved One Comes into Our Care
We’ll transport your loved one to our facility from a residence, facility, or Coroner’s office. They rest in refrigeration on-site at our Denver facility.
We Complete Paperwork Together
This can be done virtually on Zoom or in person at our facility in Denver.
Water Cremation Takes Place
We begin their Water Cremation. You’ll know the date and even have the opportunity to be present to escort them through the start of the process.
Tree Tea is Returned to the Land
We’ll return the Tree Tea to the soil at a location you help select. We will send you photos and location information so you can visit in the future.
Our Land Partners in Colorado
Your Loved One is Returned to You
We return the urn or Stones, death certificates, and any Tree Tea you’ve decided to keep for your garden.
Arrange now if a death has occurred or is near.
Plan ahead for the future.
How to Honor Your Loved One After Water Cremation
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Plant a Memorial Tree
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Scatter in Nature
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Transform Their Ashes to Stones
Low-Cost Cremation
❌ C02 Intensive
❌ Ashes Returned in Plastic Box
❌ No Chance to View Loved One
❌ Third-Party Crematory
❌ Hidden Fees
❌ Poor Communication
❌ No Follow-Up Care
Be a Tree Cremation
✅ 90% Less Energy*
✅ Biodegradable Bamboo Urn
✅ Spend Time with Loved One
✅ On-Site Water Cremation
✅ Transparent Pricing
✅ Clear Communication
✅ Compassionate Follow-Up
*Source: Bio Response Solutions
Service Area for Water Cremation
We serve families all over the state of Colorado. Transportation within 30 miles of Be a Tree Cremation is included in all packages and is $2.80 per mile outside of that radius. Out-of-state transportation is quoted upon need.
Where is Water Cremation Legal?
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Legalized in Alabama in 2017
Statute added alkaline hydrolysis to its definition of cremation
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No legislation passed
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Legalized in Arizona in 2020
HB 2179
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No legislation passed
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Legalized in 2017 in California
7611.9 of the California Business and Professions Code went into effect in 2020
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Legalized in 2011 in Colorado
Colorado Statutes § 12-54-102 changed the definition of cremation
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Passed in 2026
Senate Bill No. 142
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No legislation passed
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Legalized in 2010
Florida Statutes § 497.005 expanded the definition of “cremation”
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Legalized in 2012
Ga. Code Ann. 43-18-1 changed the state’s definition of cremation
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Legalized in 2022
HB 1894 signed into law
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Legalized in 2014
Senate Commerce & Human Resources Committee amended the Rules of the State Board of Morticians
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Legalized in 2012
410 ILCS § 18/5 changed the state’s definition of cremation to include the process
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No legislation passed
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Legalized in 2011
Kansas Statutes § 65-1760 expanded its definition of cremation to include other methods than just “direct exposure to intense heat and flame”
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21RS HB 346 is pending
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No Legislation passed
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Legalized in Maine in 2009
Attorney General approved a new definition of cremation in the Maine Rules for Establishment and Operation of Crematoria
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Legalized in Maryland in 2010
Maryland Business Regulation Code § 5-101 changed the definition of cremation to include processes other than heat and flame
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Bill S.1391 is under consideration
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No Legislation passed
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Legalized in Minnesota in 2003
Process was given licensing regulations and requirements
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No legislation passed
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20 CSR 2120-2.071 considers a legal final disposition method as it falls within the state’s definition of “cremation”
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No legislation passed
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No legislation passed
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Legalized in Nevada in 2017
Assembly Bill 205 included a definition of alkaline hydrolysis
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Legalized in New Hampshire in 2006 and repealed in 2008. 2013 bill failed
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No legislation passed
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No legislation passed
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No legislation passed
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Legalized in 2018
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-210.136
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House Bill 1294 was proposed in 2017
Status is unknown
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No legislation passed
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No laws or regulations about alkaline hydrolysis
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Legalized in 2009
Oregon Revised Statutes § 692.010(4) changed its definition of “final disposition” to include the dissolution of human remains
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Senate Bill 810 is under consideration
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No legislation passed
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No legislation passed
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No legislation passed
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Legalized in 2021
Tennessee SB931
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Senate Bill 105 is under consideration
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Legalized in 2018
H.B. 121
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Legalized in 2014
26 V.S.A. 21 § 1211
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Legalized in 2023
Senate Bill 1487
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Legalized in 2020
RCW 68.50.110
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No legislation passed
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Legalized in 2022
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Legalized in 2014
Wyoming Statutes § 33-16-502 changed the Funeral Services Practitioners Act in 2014 to include “chemical disposition”
