What is Water Cremation?
Water Cremation (Aquamation) is a method of final disposition that is available for both our human and pet loved ones. The scientific name for this water-based process is alkaline hydrolysis. It is the same process that occurs as part of nature’s course when a body is laid to rest in the soil. A combination of gentle water flow, temperature, and alkalinity are used to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials.
Why do families choose water cremation?
• They are grateful to have a choice.
• They prefer a process that does not use fire or flame.
• They prefer getting 20% more of their loved ones’ ashes returned to the family.
• They believe this to be a more gentle option than flame-based cremation.
• They value the decreased environmental impact of the process — no emissions, less energy, and smaller carbon footprint.
How much does Water Cremation (Aquamation) cost?
The cost of services and what is included in the price varies greatly by area and provider. Aquamation is comparable in price to flame cremation. It is significantly less costly than burial.Â
Does the family receive an urn?
Yes, with 20-30% more ashes than one would receive from a flame cremation. At the end of the process, the inorganic remains of the body (the calcium phosphate of the bones) resemble skeletal remains. In North America and other parts of the world, it is customary to process the minerals into a powder for placement in an urn. This is the same processing step that is performed for the remains that result from flame cremation. Some cultures wish to keep the mineral remains as whole as possible for ceremonial burial, and because Aquamation is so gentle to the remains, it is the ideal process for this purpose.
Can the family still have a memorial service after the process?
Yes. Many families choose to have a memorial service or celebration of life to honor the life of their loved one and gather with friends and family. Â
What can be done with the ashes?
Absolutely anything that can be done with flame cremation ashes can be done with Water Cremation (Aquamation) ashes. Some families bury the urn in a cemetery, or permanently inter the urn in a columbarium. There are numerous memorial products that can be made with the ashes – hand blown glass memorials, ceramic art pieces, man-made diamonds, memorial plantings for your garden, and many more. Many families choose to scatter some or all of the remains in a special place. Â
For more information please visit aquamationinfo.com/faq or contact Bio-Response Solutions at [email protected]