Aquamation
A gentle, water-based alternative to traditional flame cremation.
Aquamation / Aqua Cremation / Alkaline Hydrolysis
A gentle, water-based alternative to traditional flame cremation.
What’s Included
- Transfer into our care
- Death certificate, permits, and paperwork
- Refrigeration for up to 10 days
- Transportation to the aquamation facility
- Aqua Cremation process
- Website obituary listing, if desired
- Social Security notification
- 24/7 Funeral Director support
- No additional transfer fee based on the place of passing
- Over 90% energy savings when compared to flame-based cremation.
- No burning of fossil fuels.
- No direct emissions of harmful greenhouse gases or mercury.
Clear pricing
Pricing Note
Pricing Note: The quoted service price is the genuine Natural Grace price for the service described, with no hidden Natural Grace service fees. Normal applicable taxes, payment processing charges, certified copies, county charges, and any separate outside items identified on this page may apply.
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How the process works
Aqua-Cremation
The process of Aqua-Cremation starts with the placement of a body in a stainless steel vessel. The vessel is filled with water and potassium hydroxide (alkali). The vessel's contents are then subjected to warm temperatures to promote the breakdown of organic material. The process results in a sterile liquid and bone remains. The liquid is released back to our ecosystem, and the bone material is processed into a fine white powder.
Aquamation, also called Alkaline Hydrolysis or Aqua-Cremation, is a gentle, water-based alternative to flame cremation. Natural Grace helps families understand the process, available arrangements, and current pricing.
This form of final disposition combines a gentle water flow, even temperature, and alkalinity used to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials. Aquamation is the same process that occurs in nature when a loved one's body is laid to rest in the ground, although at an accelerated rate.
Frequently asked questions
Understand the aquamation process.
What is aquamation?
Aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis or aqua cremation, is a water-based alternative to flame cremation. The process uses water, controlled heat, and an alkaline solution to accelerate the body’s natural breakdown. Afterward, the remaining bone minerals are dried, processed, and returned to the family in a container.
Is aquamation legal in California?
Yes. California licenses and regulates hydrolysis facilities. Aquamation requires written authorization from the person who has the legal right to make disposition decisions, as well as a disposition permit. Natural Grace helps families understand and complete the required arrangements.
How is aquamation different from traditional flame cremation?
Traditional cremation uses direct flame and combustion. Aquamation does not use flame; it uses a water-based process. Both methods result in mineral remains that can be returned to the family and memorialized. Families may choose aquamation because they prefer a flameless process or because it feels more closely aligned with their environmental or personal values.
What happens to the remains after aquamation?
After aquamation, the mineral remains are dried, processed, and placed in a container. Families may generally keep them at home, place them in a cemetery niche, bury them, or scatter them in an approved location. Permits and local restrictions may apply, and Natural Grace can explain the available choices.
Is a casket required for aquamation?
No. California law does not require a casket for aquamation. A compliant hydrolysable body wrapping is required before placement in the hydrolysis chamber. Natural Grace coordinates the appropriate container or wrapping as part of the arrangements.
Can we still have a viewing, funeral, or memorial with aquamation?
Yes. Choosing aquamation does not prevent a family from holding a viewing, vigil, funeral, celebration of life, or memorial service. A ceremony can take place before or after aquamation. The timing and preparation requirements will depend on the family’s wishes, the condition of the person who died, and the chosen facility.