What Is Aqua Cremation? A Complete Guide for Families
Quick Answer
Aqua cremation — also called water cremation, aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis — is a gentle, water-based alternative to traditional flame cremation. Instead of fire, the process uses a solution of warm water and potassium hydroxide to accelerate the body's natural breakdown, reducing it to bone minerals over four to eight hours. The result is a fine, white powder returned to the family, identical in appearance to traditional cremated remains. Aqua cremation uses 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct carbon emissions from combustion. It is legal in California and available at Bravo Family Mortuary in San Diego.
More San Diego families are asking about aqua cremation. They come across the term while pre-planning their own arrangements, or while making decisions for a loved one who cares deeply about the environment. They want to understand what it actually is, how it works, and whether it is right for their family.
This guide answers every question clearly — the science, the process, the cost, the environmental impact, and how it compares to traditional cremation. If you have questions specific to your family's situation, Bravo Family Mortuary is available 24 hours a day at 1-833-762-7286.
What Is Aqua Cremation, Exactly?
Aqua cremation is the common name for a process scientists call alkaline hydrolysis. You may also hear it called water cremation, aquamation, bio cremation, or flameless cremation. These terms all refer to the same process.
The fundamental idea is simple: instead of using intense heat and flame to reduce the body, aqua cremation uses water in a warm alkaline solution to accelerate the natural decomposition that would occur in the earth over many years. The process mimics what happens in nature — it simply happens much faster and in a controlled, dignified setting.
California legalized alkaline hydrolysis in 2017 under Assembly Bill 967. It has been fully available through licensed funeral providers in the state since July 1, 2020. Bravo Family Mortuary in San Diego is one of the few funeral homes in San Diego County that offers aqua cremation directly.
How Does the Aqua Cremation Process Work? (Step by Step)
Understanding the process helps many families feel more comfortable with the choice. Here is exactly what happens:
Preparation
Your loved one is placed in a stainless-steel vessel with dignity and care. The same attention is given to every step of the process.
The solution
The vessel is filled with a solution of approximately 95% water and 5% potassium hydroxide, a naturally occurring alkaline compound. The same alkaline chemistry occurs in soil during natural decomposition.
Gentle processing
The vessel is sealed and the solution is warmed to approximately 160°C (320°F) under controlled pressure. The combination of warmth, alkalinity, and gentle circulation accelerates the body's natural breakdown.
Duration
The process takes between four and eight hours, depending on individual factors.
What remains
After the process is complete, only the bone minerals remain — the same material that remains after flame cremation. The sterile liquid byproduct, called hydrolysate, is a nutrient-rich solution returned safely to the water treatment system. No harmful materials are introduced.
The remains
The bone minerals are dried and processed into a fine, white powder, visually identical to traditional cremated remains, then placed in an urn or container of your choice and returned to your family.
Memorialization
The remains can be kept, scattered, buried, or placed in a columbarium, exactly as with traditional cremated remains. There are no restrictions on how they are handled.
Aqua Cremation vs. Traditional Cremation — What Is the Difference?
Both processes result in cremated remains returned to the family. The differences are in how those remains are created.
| Traditional Flame Cremation | Aqua Cremation (Alkaline Hydrolysis) | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 760–980°C (1,400–1,800°F) | ~160°C (320°F) |
| Duration | 2–3 hours | 4–8 hours |
| Energy use | High — fossil fuel intensive | 90% less energy than flame |
| Emissions | CO₂, carbon monoxide released | No direct air emissions |
| Result | Bone fragment ash | Fine white powder — same appearance |
| Legal in California | Yes — always legal | Yes — legal since 2017 (AB 967) |
| Available at Bravo | Yes | Yes — one of few SD funeral homes offering this |
Is Aqua Cremation Legal in California?
Yes. Aqua cremation — alkaline hydrolysis — has been legal in California since 2017. Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 967 into law, and full regulations took effect on July 1, 2020. Aqua cremation facilities are licensed and regulated by the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
Despite being legal, aqua cremation is not available at most funeral homes in San Diego County. The specialized equipment required means that only a small number of providers offer it. Bravo Family Mortuary is one of the few San Diego funeral homes with aqua cremation available.
What Do Aqua Cremation Remains Look Like?
The remains returned from aqua cremation are a fine, white powder, often described as whiter and slightly finer in texture than flame-cremated remains, because the alkaline process removes more of the mineral discoloration that flame cremation can leave. Many families find them quite beautiful.
The remains are placed in a temporary container or an urn of your choice. You can scatter them, keep them, bury them, or have them memorialized in any way that is meaningful to your family.
Who Typically Chooses Aqua Cremation?
- Environmentally conscious families — If your loved one cared about their carbon footprint in life, aqua cremation is a way to extend that commitment in death. No combustion, 90% less energy.
- Those drawn to a gentle process — Many families appreciate that there is no open flame and no intense heat — only the same chemistry that occurs in the earth, accelerated and controlled.
- Pre-planners — People arranging their own services often choose aqua cremation because it reflects their values. Compare with traditional cremation options to see what fits your family best.
- Families exploring all their options — Bravo Family Mortuary walks through every available disposition method — burial, traditional cremation, aqua cremation, and natural organic reduction — with no pressure.
What Does Aqua Cremation Cost in San Diego?
Aqua cremation typically costs more than direct flame cremation because the process takes longer and requires specialized equipment. The difference is often smaller than families expect. Bravo Family Mortuary provides complete, transparent pricing in full compliance with the FTC Funeral Rule.
For specific pricing, call us at 1-833-762-7286 or visit our pricing page. There is no obligation and no sales pressure. You can also contact us any time.
Can Veterans Choose Aqua Cremation?
Yes. Veterans who choose aqua cremation are eligible for the same VA burial benefits as veterans who choose traditional cremation. The VA burial allowance applies to cremation regardless of the type. For deaths on or after October 1, 2025, the VA pays up to $1,002 toward burial expenses for non-service-connected deaths. Bravo Family Mortuary assists all veterans' families in navigating VA burial benefits and offers a 10% discount on all services for those who have served.
How Do I Arrange Aqua Cremation in San Diego?
Bravo Family Mortuary makes the process as straightforward as possible. Call us any time at 1-833-762-7286 — 24 hours a day. You can also complete paperwork and arrangements online at your own pace. We serve all of San Diego County including Serra Mesa, Mission Valley, La Mesa, El Cajon, Chula Vista, National City, La Jolla, Santee, Poway, Mira Mesa, Clairemont, and Kensington.
We are here for your family — 24 hours a day.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Aqua Cremation
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