Water cremation: Controversial Sandwell Council plans on hold over 'yuck factor'

It follows concerns about liquid remains of dead people making their way into the water system.

Sandwell Council has been granted planning permission to offer what it said is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation.

But there are concerns flushing the waste water used as part of the ‘alkaline hydrolysis’ process down the sewers would prompt what a source described as ‘the yuck factor’ from the public. The council is working with British company Resomation to offer water cremation at Rowley Regis crematorium.

According to company founder Sandy Sullivan, the waste water does not contain DNA from the dead person.

His website explains: “The sterile liquid effluent is safely returned to the water cycle free from any traces of DNA.”

The council said it wanted to offer people more choice but a water firm covering the area said it is awaiting guidance from the Government on the matter.

Severn Trent refused the council a ‘trade effluent’ permit, which dictates which substances can go into the sewers, in March.

A spokesman said: “We are looking for guidance from the Government as to whether it is allowed or not, and there is no industry standard that says yes or no.”

He said the company was prepared to look again at the issue if guidance was issued on the matter. A council spokesman said: “The funeral industry is evolving and modernising and we want to offer people more choice.

“Water cremation is the next phase in this evolution and would give people an option that is more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation.

“We are working closely with Resomation UK, Water UK and other regulatory bodies to explore all options for the introduction of this new process.

“Once approved, Rowley Regis Crematorium in Sandwell will be the first in the UK to offer a water cremation.”

A source at Water UK said: “We are not convinced and believe the technology needs to be explored in much greater depth.

“This is an absolute first in the UK. We have serious concerns about the public acceptability of this.

“It is the liquefied remains of the dead going into the water system.

“We don’t think the public will like the idea.”

Water UK is understood to be awaiting further Government guidance.