Eco-Friendly Cremation Alternative

Aqua Cremation in San Diego — Gentle, Eco-Friendly Water Cremation

A gentle, water-based alternative to flame cremation. Aquamation uses 90% less energy and produces zero harmful emissions — honoring your loved one while protecting the planet.

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Zero Emissions Water-Based Process Family-OwnedCA License FD 2449

What Is Aquamation?

Aquamation — scientifically known as alkaline hydrolysis — is a water-based cremation alternative that uses warm water and an alkaline solution to gently return the body to its natural elements. The process mimics natural decomposition but in a controlled, accelerated environment.

Compared to traditional flame cremation, aquamation uses approximately 90% less energy, produces zero direct greenhouse gas emissions, and releases no harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. The result is a pure, white mineral powder that is returned to the family — with approximately 20% more remains than flame cremation provides.

90%

Less Energy

Zero

Emissions

Gentle

Water-Based

The Process

How Aquamation Works

Alkaline hydrolysis is a natural, scientifically proven process. Here is what happens at each stage.

Step 1

Preparation

Your loved one is placed in a specially designed stainless steel vessel. Any medical devices are removed, and the body is treated with the same care and dignity as any other form of final disposition.

Step 2

Alkaline Hydrolysis Process

A combination of warm water, alkaline solution, and gentle water flow accelerates the natural decomposition process. The water is heated to approximately 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of several hours, gently reducing the body to its essential elements.

Step 3

Purification

The sterile liquid byproduct is safely returned to the water cycle through municipal wastewater treatment. It contains no DNA, no pathogens, and no harmful chemicals — only amino acids, sugars, salts, and peptides.

Step 4

Return of Remains

The mineral bone remains are dried, processed into a fine white powder, and returned to the family in an urn of their choice. Families typically receive approximately 20% more remains than with flame cremation.

Environmental Benefits

Why Choose Aquamation

90% Less Energy

Uses roughly one-tenth the energy of flame cremation, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of final disposition.

Zero Harmful Emissions

No burning of fossil fuels means zero greenhouse gas emissions, no smoke, and no particulate matter released into the atmosphere.

No Mercury or Chemical Release

Unlike flame cremation, aquamation does not release mercury from dental fillings or other harmful chemicals into the air.

20% More Remains Returned

Families receive approximately 20% more remains than with traditional cremation, providing more for urns, keepsakes, and scattering.

Accepted by Most Faith Traditions

Many religious denominations accept aquamation, and it is growing in acceptance as awareness of the process increases.

Same Memorial Flexibility

All the same memorial, celebration of life, scattering, and keepsake options available with traditional cremation remain available with aquamation.

Transparent Pricing

Aquamation Pricing

Direct Water Cremation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)

Zero Emissions
$4,200Direct

A gentle, water-based alternative to traditional cremation with 90% fewer carbon emissions. Direct water cremation without a formal ceremony.

  • Professional services of Funeral Director & Staff
  • Transfer of your loved one into our care (within 30 miles)
  • All legal documentation & permits
  • Alkaline hydrolysis crematory fee
  • Temporary urn & return of cremated remains

Additional services, merchandise & cash advances extra.

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After Aquamation

Memorial & Memorialization Options

Aquamation provides the same flexibility as traditional cremation for honoring and remembering your loved one.

Viewing & Visitation

A full viewing or visitation can be held before the aquamation process, allowing family and friends to gather and say goodbye in person.

Memorial Service

Hold a personalized memorial service in our chapel or at a location of your choosing, either before or after the aquamation process.

Celebration of Life

Create a meaningful celebration that reflects your loved one's personality, passions, and the life they lived.

Scattering at Sea

San Diego's beautiful coastline offers a serene setting for scattering remains over the Pacific Ocean, with or without a boat ceremony.

Keepsake Jewelry

A small portion of the remains can be placed in beautifully crafted memorial jewelry, allowing you to carry your loved one close to your heart.

Urn Interment

Aquamation remains can be placed in an urn and interred in a cemetery, mausoleum, or columbarium niche just like traditional cremation remains.

Common Questions

Aquamation FAQ

What is aquamation (water cremation)?
Aquamation, also known as water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. It uses a combination of warm water and alkaline solution to gently reduce the body to its essential mineral components. Bravo Family Mortuary is proud to offer this environmentally responsible option to San Diego families.
How does aquamation work?
The body is placed in a stainless steel vessel where warm water and an alkaline solution circulate over a period of several hours. This process, called alkaline hydrolysis, mimics and accelerates natural decomposition. The result is a sterile liquid returned to the water cycle and pure bone mineral remains returned to the family.
Is aquamation legal in California?
Yes, aquamation is fully legal in California. The state approved alkaline hydrolysis as a legal form of disposition in 2017. Bravo Family Mortuary partners with licensed alkaline hydrolysis facilities to provide this service to families throughout San Diego County.
How much does aquamation cost in San Diego?
At Bravo Family Mortuary, direct water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) is $4,200. This includes funeral director services, transfer, all legal documentation and permits, the alkaline hydrolysis crematory fee, and a temporary urn with return of cremated remains. Contact us at 1-833-762-7286 for a detailed breakdown.
Is aquamation more eco-friendly than cremation?
Yes, aquamation is significantly more environmentally friendly than flame cremation. It uses approximately 90% less energy, produces zero direct greenhouse gas emissions, releases no mercury or harmful chemicals into the air, and returns a sterile effluent safely to the water cycle. Bravo Family Mortuary recommends aquamation for families prioritizing environmental responsibility.
How long does the aquamation process take?
The alkaline hydrolysis process itself typically takes between 6 and 20 hours depending on the equipment and facility. Including preparation and processing of the mineral remains, families can generally expect to receive their loved one's remains within 7 to 10 business days. Bravo Family Mortuary coordinates every step of the process for San Diego families.
Can I have a viewing before aquamation?
Absolutely. A full traditional viewing, visitation, or open-casket service can be held before the aquamation process. Bravo Family Mortuary can arrange embalming, preparation, and visitation in our San Diego chapel and reception room as additional services. Contact us for details.
What do the remains look like after aquamation?
Aquamation remains are a fine, white powder similar in appearance to traditional cremation remains but slightly lighter in color. Families typically receive approximately 20% more remains than with flame cremation. The remains can be placed in an urn, scattered, or used for keepsake jewelry just like cremation ashes.
Is aquamation accepted by religious traditions?
Many religious denominations accept aquamation, and acceptance continues to grow as more communities learn about the gentle, water-based process. Several Christian denominations, Hinduism, and other traditions have expressed acceptance. Bravo Family Mortuary encourages families in San Diego to consult with their faith leaders if they have specific questions.
Where can I scatter remains after aquamation in San Diego?
San Diego offers many meaningful locations for scattering remains, including the Pacific Ocean (via boat ceremony or shore scattering), memorial gardens, and designated scattering areas at local cemeteries. Bravo Family Mortuary can help coordinate scattering at sea services and advise on regulations for scattering in San Diego County.

Service Area

Aquamation Services Throughout San Diego County

Serra MesaMission ValleyLa MesaEl CajonChula VistaNational CityLa JollaSanteePowayMira MesaClairemontKensington
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We're Here For You

Learn More About Aquamation — We're Here to Help

Have questions about water cremation? Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to walk you through the process and answer every question with care and patience.

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Bravo Family Mortuary is led by Lena Bravo-Olsher, a licensed funeral director and embalmer in California and Illinois and a graduate of the Worsham School of Mortuary Science.California licensed funeral establishment FD 2449, regulated by the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.