Water cremation
Water cremation in California
Legal
Allowed at hydrolysis facilities licensed by the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
What the law says
- The Cemetery and Funeral Bureau lists hydrolysis, reduction by water, as one of the options after death, and it licenses hydrolysis facilities (Cemetery and Funeral Bureau consumer guide).
- All hydrolysis facilities allow the next of kin and family to view the process (Cemetery and Funeral Bureau consumer guide).
Who to ask
The California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau licenses funeral homes in California and can answer questions about the rules. A local funeral home can tell you whether the option is offered near you.
Other options in California
- Human composting: Legal from January 1, 2027
- Home funerals: Family may file
- Scattering ashes: State rules
- Body donation: Programs
Funeral homes near you
Call two or three homes and compare their written price lists.