Understanding Aquamation

Aquamation—also known as alkaline hydrolysis—is a gentle, water-based method of final disposition. Using a combination of water, heat, and a small amount of alkali, it mimics nature’s process of decomposition to safely and respectfully break down organic materials.

Yes. Aquamation returns a temporary urn containing 20–30% more remains than traditional flame cremation. The process leaves you with a fine, uniform powder of bone minerals—ideal for placement in a permanent urn or for ceremonial purposes.

No. Aquamation does not require a casket or box. Containers like these would be largely unaffected during the process—so they are not used.

Depending on the operating temperature, the process takes between 6–8 hours at 300°F or 18–20 hours at 200°F. For context, traditional flame cremation typically takes 1–3 hours at much higher temperatures.

Your loved one is respectfully placed in a stainless steel vessel. A solution—95% water and 5% alkali—is added and heated to between 200°F and 300°F. Over the process, all organic material is broken down into its most basic components, leaving only sterile bone minerals. These are then processed into a fine powder and returned in an urn. Many families choose to celebrate a life once the remains are returned.

Absolutely. Many families hold a memorial service or celebration of life following aquamation to honor their loved one and gather in remembrance.

Yes. The remains are completely safe—pathogen- and disease-free—thanks to the sterilization process of alkaline hydrolysis.

You have the same options as with flame cremation: interment in a cemetery, placement in a columbarium, scattering in a special location, keeping them at home, or even creating memorial keepsakes like glass art or jewelry. We’re here to help you choose the option that best honors your loved one.

Yes. Before scattering, please check local regulations and consult with us or another funeral professional. Because the remains are a very fine powder, extra care is needed when scattering in windy or aquatic environments. We’ll provide guidance to ensure your scattering ceremony is both safe and meaningful.

Flame cremation yields remains that include bone minerals plus additional ash from items like the casket or clothing, often resulting in a gray, chippy texture. In contrast, aquamation produces only the bone minerals, processed into a consistent powder that is typically white to tan. This process also returns 20–30% more remains to the family.

Because flame cremation operates at extremely high temperatures (1600–1800°F), some mineral content is lost. Aquamation uses much lower temperatures (200–300°F) and a gentle water-based process that preserves more of the mineral remains.

Possibly. Because aquamation returns a greater volume of a fine, uniform powder, some cases may require a larger urn. However, these remains generally settle more efficiently. If your chosen urn isn’t large enough, we will contact you to discuss additional options, including multiple keepsake urns if needed.

Not at all. The remains are not toxic when handled or incorporated into potting soil—provided the soil is properly prepared and the remains are well-diluted. Your Aquamation provider can offer guidance on creating a living memorial that is safe and beneficial.

Families appreciate having a compassionate, fire-free alternative that returns 20–30% more remains. They value its gentler treatment of the body and the reduced environmental impact compared to flame cremation.

Aquamation uses very little water—less than what a typical household consumes in a day. This includes water used in the process and for rinsing the equipment.

No. Unlike flame cremation—which vaporizes mercury from dental amalgams—alpine hydrolysis operates at much lower temperatures. Mercury remains intact within the teeth and is recycled through an approved process, ensuring no mercury is released into the atmosphere.

Medical implants are not destroyed during aquamation. They are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized, often looking brand new, and then recycled by specialized refiners.

Aquamation has been utilized in scientific and academic settings for over 25 years. It has been used for final dispositions of human bodies donated to science since 1995, with pet facilities opening in 2007 and the first funeral home adopting the technology in 2011.

Aquamation leverages the natural power of water in an alkaline solution (5% alkali, 95% water) to break down organic materials. Combined with controlled heat and continuous flow, this process converts fats to salts, proteins to amino acids, and carbohydrates to sugars—reducing the body to its basic mineral components without leaving any DNA or RNA.