Frequently asked questions

WATER ‘CREMATION’

Why is it called water ‘cremation’?

Nothing burns of course, so the term is a contradiction. We’ve kept it anyway because it has caught the public imagination. It’s also called aquamation, or resomation.

What’s the process? How does it work?

The chemical process is alkaline hydrolysis, which speeds up the natural process of decomposition. The pets’ bodies are placed in the water cremation machine and treated with alkaline water, dissolving the soft tissue. The resulting liquid is pumped out and neutralised with acid, becoming non-toxic and ready for disposal. The bones are turned to ash for memorial.

Is it true that ancient New Zealand Maori used the same process? How is that possible?

Yes, true. When a Maori of high status died, the body was placed in hot alkaline springs. (In Rotorua, locals can point you to a specific pool.) A year later, just the bones were left, to be retrieved for final ritual. Whakapapa kōmako – ancestor immersion.

Environmentally, how does the modern process stack up compared with traditional flame cremation?

The difference is outstanding. On average, the modern water cremation machines have less than 2% of the carbon footprint of flame cremation – and require less than 10% of the energy. (Our calculation assumes a pet body load of 100 kg, with no heat exchanger involved. The word ‘average’ covers a wide range of variables, including how the power is produced, water volumes, initial temperatures, body characteristics, and the efficiencies of traditional crematoriums.)

Where are your machines made?

In Australia. Water Cremation Systems is based in Wynyard, Tasmania.

How many pet water cremation machines are operating?

World-wide? There are already hundreds. They range from the first, expensive, high pressure machines, to those developed by the Kiwi inventor who founded Water Cremation Systems. So far, there are about 20 of his second-generation machines up and running in Australasia, at the time of writing four of them in New Zealand.

I’ve heard that pet water cremation machines operate like high pressure boilers, operating at high temperatures. Is that true?

Not our machines. Ours operate below boiling point and need no pressure boost.

Is the modern process gentle?

It’s very gentle. We can’t tell you exactly why (until you buy one), it’s commercially sensitive.

To start up a water cremation business, what minimum do I need to purchase from Water Cremation Systems?

Absolute minimum? Just the machine (there are two sizes).

But what do you recommend I purchase from you?

We recommend the 14-space machine, the bone grinder and – in this market – the heat exchanger. A domestic blender may not be robust enough. The exchanger reduces costs once you get busy, and it incorporates automatic neutralising of the waste liquid.

THE MODERN 14-SPACE MACHINE

How much space does the machine take up?

In round figures: 2.5m x 1.2m x 1m high.

How much space does the combination of machine and heat exchanger need?

Round figures: 4m x 1.3m x 2m (The last figure is the height of the exchanger. See HEAT EXCHANGER below)

How long does it take to process one cycle of animals?

6 to 12 hours depending on the load.

How much water is needed for one cycle?

Low level 230 litres, medium 340 litres, high 460 litres.

Is there much odour?

Most odour is removed by the odour scrubber and vent which runs out through the ceiling. Some remains when the machine lid opens.

What happens to the waste liquid?

After neutralising, it could go to farmland pasture as a fertilizer, or into the wastewater/sewage system. (For regulations on disposal go to LEGALITIES, REGULATIONS AND CONSENTS below.)

What happens to the bones left by the process?

They’re ground to ashes, available for memorial containers.

Are the bones of each animal kept separate?

Yes. Note that small birds have soft bones – so, to make full bone integrity certain, we recommend our small stainless steel inner baskets.

How many animals/birds can be processed at one time?

For cats, about 14. For medium size dogs, about 6. But each space can also take our mini mesh boxes for smaller animals and birds.

Is the machine safe to operate?

Yes, provided the safety instructions are followed. Rubber gloves and PPE should be used when handling the alkaline. The other consideration is the hot alkaline vapour – if for some reason the lid is opened while processing. On the modern machine, the lid has lock out time delays and is opened via the control box, taking the operator further from the vapour.

THE 7-SPACE MACHINE

How does it differ from the 14-space machine above?

Mainly in its capacity. There are differences in energy used, water used, and cost per cycle.

THE HEAT EXCHANGER

Do I need a heat exchanger to start up a water cremation business?

No. You can start with just the machine. The heat exchanger becomes a significant advantage when you do more than one cycle a day.

How is the heat exchanger an advantage? How does it work?

It’s almost poetic: it cools the hot waste liquid leaving the machine by heating the cold water coming in. There are three advantages. First, you don’t have to wait hours for the hot waste water to cool down before pumping out. Second, you expend less energy heating the incoming cold water. Third, the heat exchanger also automatically neutralises the waste liquid. (See NEUTRALISING THE WASTE LIQUID next)

Why can’t I just run hot water into the machine from the hot tap?

That’s potentially dangerous if the temperature is not carefully controlled. There’s a very strong exothermic reaction when too-hot water meets potassium hydroxide. The heat exchanger provides the control on the temperature.

Does it come with an operating manual?

Yes, as well as step by step operator instruction on the face of the control panel.

NEUTRALISING THE WASTE LIQUID

Why is it necessary to neutralise the waste liquid?

Even with the dissolved soft tissue, the waste is still strongly alkaline, therefore unsafe for most forms of disposal.

How does the neutralisation process work?

By adding the correct amount of an acid. The result is non-toxic and neither acidic nor alkaline.

If I don’t get a heat exchanger, can I neutralise the waste liquid manually?

Yes. The waste liquid is typically stored in tanks. You put acid into those tanks. However, it’s a cumbersome procedure that involves several steps. We recommend the automatic process that comes with the heat exchanger.

DISPOSING OF THE WASTE LIQUID

How do I store the waste liquid before disposal?

The usual way is in standard IBC 1,000 litre tanks. They don’t cost much and you would buy them locally.

Can I dispose of the waste liquid on farmland?

Yes. So far, most New Zealand users of our machine operators do exactly that. Farmers like it because the non-toxic, neutralised waste is rich in nutrients: amino acids, sugars, soaps and peptides.

Can I discharge it directly into the wastewater/sewage system?

Only with a discharge consent from your local council (see next).

LEGALITIES, REGULATIONS AND CONSENTS

Is water cremation legal in New Zealand?

Yes. It’s new to lawmakers of course. But it’s so environmentally friendly compared with traditional flame cremation we don’t think it will ever be challenged.

Is there any regulation that stops me spreading the waste onto farmland?

Stops? No. But regional councils do have regulations that keep waste discharge at specific, numbered distances from such as rivers and water bores. Your friendly farmer will know.

Will my council grant me a consent to discharge into the wastewater/sewage system?

It’s too soon to know. At this early stage of the water cremation industry, councils are cautious, looking closely at the content. For the Australian government analysis of the content, and for the current state of New Zealand council consents, contact our New Zealand agent directly.

IMPORTING, CUSTOMS AND DELIVERY

What’s the timeline for importing a machine?

If they have one in stock allow a week for packing and logistics otherwise, construction and testing: allow 6-8 weeks. Shipping: allow 3-4 weeks. (We suggest you allow us to arrange shipping all the way from the factory to your venue door – it’s called DAP shipping.)

How does the invoicing work?

With direct DAP shipping, you’ll get three invoices from us: 40% deposit for the machine (then we start construction); the 60% remainder when construction and testing is done; and lastly the shipping and crate cost. Note: You will also need to pay the customs invoice for GST directly (the port then releases your machine to continue its travel to your venue by truck).

Will I be paying import duties?

No. Between Australia to New Zealand, there are no import duties.

What does the shipping cost?

Talk to us. It depends on what you order and where it goes.

FINDING A VENUE

What do I need to consider when choosing a venue?

Typically, you’ll need a comfortable receiving area for grieving pet owners, and a separate processing area. The processing area should allow for the machine, a heat exchanger, and for storage tanks. We advise working out in advance how you will dispose of the waste liquid – the storage tanks could use significantly more space than the compact machinery.

THE TWO CHEMICALS

What chemicals do I need?

An alkali and an acid. Usually, the alkali is potassium hydroxide. Usually, the acid is sulphuric. Citric or nitric acids also work.

Where do I get the chemicals? Will I need a licence?

There are suitable chemical suppliers throughout New Zealand. It’s likely that they will sell only to a business, not to an individual.

INSTALLATION and TRAINING

Will you (Water Cremation Systems) install the machine for me?

No. Our Australian electricians and plumbers are not registered in New Zealand. But you don’t need them anyway. Your local electrician and plumber will easily follow the instructions.

Will you visit when the machine has been installed?

Yes. You’ll get one visit from our agent (at no extra charge) to make sure you’re up and running smoothly. We’ll arrange a time to suit you.

Do you offer training on how to run the machine?

There’s little need. Obviously the visiting agent (just above) will give you pointers, but you’ll quickly see how easy it is.

OPERATION and MAINTENANCE

Do installation, operation and maintenance instructions come with the machine?

They do. The SOP manual comes in printed form and in the control panel electronics.

How complicated is it to operate?

It isn’t. However, after the main process, if you have chosen manual neutralising, that can be exacting. (See NEUTRALISING THE WASTE LIQUID above.)

How reliable are your machines?

Very. Problems are unlikely, because the components are high quality. The machine is made of 316 grade stainless steel – beyond the minimum quality needed. The only potential problem is the pump which comes from external suppliers – so we have chosen very high quality pumps.

THE COST OF THE MACHINE

What’s the purchase price of the machine? Of the heat exchanger? Other go-withs?

For 2025 prices, please contact our New Zealand agent.

Can I lease a machine? Can I purchase on time payment?

Sorry, no.

If I order more than one machine, will I get a multiunit discount?

That’s a ‘depends’ answer. Talk to us.

RUNNING COSTS

What’s the cost of running one cycle?

Here’s a rough ballpark figure for New Zealand. Counting power, alkali and neutralising acid, we get around $100. That doesn’t count labour.

REFERENCES

Who can I talk to who runs one of your water cremation machines?

It’s important that you talk to someone with a modern, second-generation machine. Ask us and we’ll connect you.

WARRANTY

How long is the warranty good for?

The warranty on workmanship and materials is for 3 years. On the electrics, controls, pump and elements it’s for 12 months.