What Is Water Cremation and How Does It Work?

What Is Water Cremation?

Water cremation is a process that mimics natural decomposition but accelerates it in a controlled environment. A person’s body is placed in a specialised stainless-steel chamber filled with a solution that is typically about 95% water and 5% alkaline chemicals, such as potassium hydroxide.

The solution is heated and circulated, gently breaking down organic tissue. Over several hours, the soft tissues dissolve, leaving only bone fragments behind. These fragments are then dried and processed into a fine powder similar to traditional cremation ashes, which can be returned to the family.

The remaining liquid is sterile and environmentally safe after treatment, making Aquamation a more sustainable option compared with flame cremation, which produces emissions and uses fossil fuels.

How the Aquamation Process Works

The water cremation process typically follows these steps:

1. Preparation– The body is respectfully placed into a specialised Aquamation chamber.
2. Water and Alkaline Solution– The chamber is filled with a mixture of water and alkaline salts.
3. Gentle Heat and Circulation– The solution is heated and circulated to accelerate natural decomposition.
4. Separation of Remains– After several hours, only bone fragments remain.
5. Return of Ashes– The bones are dried and processed into ashes that can be returned to the family for memorialisation.

Because the process uses water rather than fire, many families see it as a gentler, more environmentally conscious way to say goodbye that is Eco-friendly

Frequently Asked Questions