Water Cremation - A Gentle Way
A Natural and Ethical Cremation Alternative
Water Cremation, by Aquamation® is available to families from Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland, and South Australia. Water Cremation uses a process that is technically known as Alkaline Hydrolysis, to water cremate a loved one who has ‘passed over’.
A Comparison of Water Cremation and Traditional Cremation.
The severe environmental impact of Greenhouse gas emissions from traditional cremations is a very serious concern for environmental activist groups worldwide. Cremations require very high temperatures and consume tremendous amounts of electricity.
During each cremation, the deceased is placed in a chamber that is heated to around 900°C for a duration of several hours. Each cremation produces approximately 400 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions.
Water Cremation (Alkaline Hydrolysis) operates at much lower temperatures than cremation, and uses a fraction of the electricity, with the loved one being carefully placed in a potassium hydroxide and water solution that is heated to 93°C, for a period of 4 hours. Each Water Cremation produces less than only 20 kilograms of greenhouse gases, a tiny amount, compared to cremation.
Public Health Concerns Relating to Mercury Pollution from Traditional Cremation.
Worldwide there are serious concerns being raised regarding the toxic effects of mercury pollution from traditional cremation on human communities. Cremation heats the mercury in the deceased’s tooth fillings to the point that it becomes airborne and this is recognised as a toxic emission. Research has concluded that airborne mercury emissions from crematoriums significantly increase the rates of Autism, Stillbirth and Cancer in nearby human populations. Governments in the U.S. and the European Union are mobilising over these concerns. Restrictions have been put in place and efforts made to introduce technologies to reduce the mercury pollution emitted from crematoria.
With Water Cremation, mercury pollution is not an issue because the fillings from teeth remain intact. When the Water Cremation is completed, we will arrange to have the mercury safely recycled.
Following a Water Cremation, the loved ones remains are returned to you in an urn in the form of ‘Ashes’, as with cremation.
Aquamation® is the better, greener alternative for the body and our planet.
Why choose Aquamation®?
No direct emissions.
Fire cremations burn fossil fuels, which create significant pollution and can emit harmful substances like carbon monoxide, particulates (PM10 and PM2.5), and heavy metals, including mercury, lead, and cadmium. Aquamation® uses only water, heat, and a small amount of an alkaline solution powered by electricity, making it the most eco-friendly funerals.
Less energy use.
Aquamation® uses less than 10% of the energy of a traditional fire cremation, which significantly reduces emissions, and is more efficient compared to a gas, LPG, or diesel-fired cremation. When coupled with electricity from a renewable source, the Aquamation® process can almost be entirely carbon-neutral.
Fewer procedures.
Unlike flame cremation or burial, the delicate nature of the Aquamation® process does not remove medical devices such as pacemakers, implants, or jewellery from the body before the process through invasive mortuary procedures. These can be gathered once the process is complete - maintaining dignity and respect for the body after death.
The Green & Ethical Alternative to Cremation
Completely Natural
Process
Water Cremation, by Aquamation®, uses a natural and ethical Alkaline Hydrolysis process.
Low Carbon
Emissions
Water Cremation produces less than 10% of the carbon emissions as compared to fire cremation.
Better for the Health of Communities
There is no toxic Mercury Pollution emitted during the Water Cremation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water Cremation uses a process that is scientifically known as Alkaline Hydrolysis. During a Water Cremation, the deceased is carefully placed inside a stainless steel Water Cremation unit. This unit is then filled with water and an alkaline solution and is heated.
Following a Water Cremation, the loved one’s remains are returned to the family in an urn in the form of ‘Ashes’.
Water Cremation, by Aquamation®, is a proudly Australian innovation and has become very sought after in the United States and Canada for its environmental benefits.
Yes. Water Cremation, by Aquamation®, was a 2015 finalist in the prestigious Australian Technologies Competition.