There’s no public data on the percentage of people that choose to scatter cremated remains over water, but it is a very common practice. Many families choose to scatter a loved one’s cremains in the ocean, a lake or other body of water that’s meaningful or scenic. It’s a symbolic gesture that the deceased is returning to nature.
Scattering cremains in water is so common that if cremated remains aren’t claimed by the family they are eventually scattered at sea after being held for a period.
But what happens to the cremains once they are in the water? It’s a good question, and we have the answer.
What Happens to Cremains in Water
You may think that cremains would dissolve in water after a few minutes, but that isn’t the case. Cremains look like a powdery substance, but cremated remains ground up pieces of bone. Each little spec is heavier than the water.
When you first put cremated remains in water the cremains will float on top. Then slowly the cremains will disperse and begin to sink. Eventually the cremains will sink all the way down to the bottom and become part of the sediment of whatever body of water where they were scattered.
Will Cremains Be Carried Away From Where They Were Scattered?
The cremains could possibly be carried away by water currents. This can happen right when the cremains are put in the water, or currents could cause them to go downstream or float away before they sink.
In shallower water or quick moving water it’s possible for cremains to kick up and move from where they were scattered after they sink to the bottom.
Can Animals Consume Cremains in the Water?
It is possible for fish and other animals in the water to consume cremated remains. However, they typically aren’t doing it intentionally. It usually happens accidentally when the animal is eating something else. From what ecologists can tell, fish and other aquatic wildlife don’t prefer the taste of cremated remains so they aren’t seeking it out to eat.
But don’t worry. Cremains are made of minerals mostly and aren’t harmful for animals to consume.
Scattering Cremains in Public Waterways is Legal
Scattering cremated remains doesn’t violate the federal Clean Water Act from the EPA. However, if you want to scatter cremains in a lake or river at a national park you’ll have to have a special permit.
Many local municipalities actually have regulations about scattering cremains over public waterways. While the chances of any sort of contamination are very slim, officials still don’t want to take any risks because cremains can move around in the water and don’t dissolve. That’s why it’s important to always check local regulations before scattering cremains anywhere.
Do you have other questions about cremated remains or the direct cremation process? Give Direct Cremate a call or text and we can provide the answers.