Aquamation is water-based cremation using a process called alkaline hydrolysis. Some providers use names such as water cremation, flameless cremation, or trademarked terms. For over 25 years, alkaline hydrolysis has been employed for the final disposition of human remains at several premiere medical facilities, including the Mayo Clinic and UCLA Medical School.

Why Do Families Choose Aquamation?

Many pet owners see the water-based option as gentler than flame cremation. Aquamation uses 90% less energy than flame cremation, burns no fossil fuels, and produces no emissions, meaning it has a much smaller carbon footprint. Because aquamation yields 20-30% more remains to return to your family, you have more options for scattering, memorializing your pet in cremation artwork, and sharing mementos with more members of your family.

How Does It Work?

Your pet is placed in a private cradle in our specialized equipment. An alkaline solvent is added, and the machine fills with water. The water and solvent are heated and gently circulated throughout the equipment, allowing the solution to accelerate the natural decomposition process. Once the cycle is finished, what remains are inorganic minerals and a sterile mix of water and basic organic compounds such as salts, sugars, peptides, and amino acids. The solution is drained, and the remains are dried before being processed into the familiar powdery ‘ashes’ to be returned to the family in the urn of their choice.

Is The Water Safe?

Alkaline hydrolysis completely breaks down all bacteria, viruses, and prions. The same process is used for sterile disposal of biohazardous materials, and the remaining solution is neutralized to a safe pH before discharge. The final output, or ‘effluent’, is an exceptional fertilizer.