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.
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 EmissionsA 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.
Arrange This ServiceAfter 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
Service Area
Aquamation Services Throughout San Diego County
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.
Explore Related Services