A COMPLETE GUIDE TO
water cremation
—AN ALTERNATIVE TO FLAME CREMATION—
Why Florida Families Choose Water Cremation
A More "Natural" Process
Water cremation mirrors the natural cycle of life, returning the body to its basic elements without the use of fire.
Lower Environmental Impact
The process uses up to 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct emissions.
The Same Memorial Options
Families can still hold funerals, celebrations of life, memorial services, and ash scatterings.
A Choice That Feels Right
End-of-life decisions are very personal. Many families appreciate having an option that aligns with the values they carry.
—A QUICK OVERVIEW—
How Water Cremation Works
Water cremation is a carefully controlled process performed by trained professionals. The entire process is conducted with dignity, care, and oversight at our dedicated facility.
1. The body is placed in a specialized stainless-steel vessel.
This vessel has been specially designed for the resomation of human bodies. The body is covered in a bio-shroud and slid carefully into the vessel.
2. A solution of water and alkaline minerals is introduced.
The vessel is filled with approximately 95% water and 5% alkali, which helps break down organic material in a way that mirrors the natural process of decomposition—but rather than taking weeks, months, and years, it only takes about 4-6 hours.
3. Gentle heat and circulation help the process along.
The vessel will heat the water and alkali mixture to 302 degrees Farenheit, and gentle circulation helps move things around. The water never boils as the vessel is pressurized, and the circulation is not aggressive.
4. Organic material is reduced to its basic elements.
The process breaks down all soft tissue into a sterile, nurtient-rich solution of water, amino acids, sugars, salts, and peptides. We call this "effluent". There is no longer any genetic information (DNA) or pathogens in the effluent, and it is safely returned to our municipal wastewater system.
All that remains in the vessel at that point are the bones and any non-organic materials, such as medical prosthetics and implants.
5. The remaining bones are dried and processed into "ash".
After the process is complete, the remaining bones are carefully dried and processed into a fine, bone-white "ash", which is returned to you just as they would be after traditional cremation.
Any non-organic materials, such as medical implants, are respectfully separated. Families may request that these items be returned to them, or they are responsibly recycled through a reputable medical metal recycling program.
—A SUSTAINABLE OPTION—
Environmental Impact of Water Cremation
Water cremation uses
85–90%
less energy than flame cremation.
Because it uses steam, it produces
0%
combustion emissions.
—EXPAND YOUR UNDERSTANDING—
Resources About Water Cremation
This video features our partner Dean Fisher explaining the Water Cremation process while he was the Director of the Donated Body Program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Animated Overview of the Water Cremation Process
(This video has no sound.)
—DID YOU KNOW?—
Frequently Asked Questions
What is water cremation?
Water cremation is an alternative to traditional flame cremation that uses warm water, natural alkalinity, and gentle circulation to accelerate the natural process of decomposition. The result is similar to traditional cremation, with ashes returned to the family for memorialization.
Is water cremation legal in Florida?
Yes.
Water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) is fully legal in Florida and can only be performed at licensed facilities.
Currently, Gentle Water Cremation is the only licensed facility in Florida.
What is the scientific name for water cremation?
The scientific name for water cremation is alkaline hydrolysis. It is also commonly referred to as aquamation, resomation, green cremation, flameless cremation, liquid cremation, chemical cremation, and green cremation.
Is water cremation environmentally friendly?
Water cremation is widely considered one of the most environmentally responsible forms of cremation available. It uses significantly less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct emissions from combustion. Likewise, it has a much smaller environmental footprint than traditional burial, too.
What does the family receive after water cremation?
You will receive cremated remains that are similar to those returned after traditional cremation. The "ashes" are typically lighter in color and finer in texture, and they can be kept, scattered, or memorialized in the same ways.
Can we still hold a funeral or memorial service before or after water cremation?
Yes. Water cremation does not change how you might choose to honor your loved one. Memorial services, funeral viewings, celebrations of life, and other tributes can still be held before or after the cremation.
What happens to medical implants or prosthetics during water cremation?
Medical implants and other non-organic prosthetics do not need to be removed before water cremation and are recovered after the process. Families may request that these items be returned to them, or they are responsibly recycled through a reputable medical metal recycling program.
Can clothing/items be placed with our loved one for the water cremation process?
Due to the delicate nature of the vessel's operation, only organic, biodegradable items can be placed inside with your loved one—like flowers.
What happens to the water during the water cremation process?
At the end of the process, the remaining liquid is a sterile, nutrient-rich solution of water, amino acids, sugars, and salts. The water cremation process destroys all DNA, RNA, pathogens, and contaminants, making the liquid bio-safe, so this nutrient-dense water is typically sent to municipal wastewater treatment systems. Sometimes families request a small amount to be used as an excellent fertilizer for their personal gardens.
What does the effluent from water cremation look/smell like?
It looks like tea or coffee with cream, and it has a loamy, earthy scent not unlike mushroom soup.
How long does water cremation process take?
The water cremation process itself typically takes 4 - 6 hours.
Why do families choose water cremation?
Families choose water cremation for many different reasons. Some are drawn to its environmental benefits, while others feel the process itself is more natural or aligns with their personal values. Many families simply appreciate having another option when making end-of-life decisions.
