Aquamation: A Gentle Departure with Water, Not Fire

Aquamation, also recognized as alkaline hydrolysis, distinguishes itself as a water-based cremation method employing a solution of 95% water and 5% alkaline. This process offers a gentler and greener alternative, deviating from the traditional flame-based cremation method.

Why Opt for Aquamation?

Groce Funeral Home positions Aquamation as a conscious choice, emphasizing its environmentally friendly process, gentle approach, and an alternative option for cremation for those who may be uncomfortable with fire for their loved ones.

FAMILIES HAVE EXPRESSED

• They are grateful to have a gentler option than flame-based cremation.
• They value a much more environmentally friendly process.
• They prefer a process that does not use fire or flame.
• They are simply thankful to have a choice

A FLAMELESS PROCESS

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. We use a combination of water circulation, temperature, and alkalinity to accelerate nature’s process.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What happens?

With Aquamation, the loved one is respectfully placed in a container that is then placed in a clean, stainless-steel vessel. A combination of gentle water circulation, temperature, and alkalinity are used to accelerate the natural process of tissue hydrolysis. All organic material is reduced to its most basic building blocks.
At the end of the process, there is no DNA or RNA remaining. The sterile process water is released for recycling and only the inorganic bone minerals remain. The minerals are dried and processed into powder, then returned to the family.

Can we have a viewing prior to the Aquamation process?

Yes – families may wish to have a viewing prior to the process, which we certainly can accommodate. If the viewing will be open to the public, the embalming process can still be done without affecting the Aquamation process.

Does Aquamation use acid?

No, Aquamation uses a catalyst called alkali, which is the chemical opposite of an acid. Alkalis are made from sodium and potassium salts.

Are the alkalis used in this process safe for the environment?

Yes. The water-based process uses a solution of 95% water and 5% alkali (a combination of sodium and potassium hydroxide). The alkalis used in this process are the same alkalis used in biodiesel production, common cosmetic products, body washes, shaving creams, and even in food preparation. At the end of the process, the chemical has been completely consumed, neutralized, and no longer remains in the water solution.

What happens to the water?

The water is returned to the ecosystem via the normal wastewater treatment facility. The Aquamation process produces a completely sterile solution of amino acids, sugars, nutrients, salts, and soap in a water solution. These are the byproducts of natural decomposition.

Are the powdered ashes safe to handle?

Yes, the remains are 100 % safe, pathogen and disease free. The ash that is returned to the family is simply bone mineral, or calcium phosphate. The ashes will be kept in an urn or may be buried or scattered in a special place as some families choose to do.

Arranging Aquamation Services

To make Aquamation arrangements or seek additional information about services, complete the form below.