What is Water Cremation?
A gentle, modern alternative to traditional cremation
Water cremation is an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional flame cremation. Instead of using fire, it uses a carefully controlled combination of water, temperature and natural alkali to return the body to its natural elements with dignity and respect.
The process is gentle, peaceful and designed to provide families with another choice when saying goodbye to a loved one.
Although the technology is modern, the principle is simple: water cremation gently accelerates the natural process that takes place over many years in the ground.
How does water cremation work?
Following the same care and preparation given for a traditional cremation, the deceased is placed in a specially designed vessel.
Warm water and a natural alkaline solution are then used in a carefully controlled environment to gently return the body’s soft tissues to their natural elements. What remains are the mineral components of the bones.
These mineral remains are then dried and processed into a fine, white powder, similar in purpose to the ashes received after a traditional cremation. Families can keep them, scatter them, bury them or place them in a memorial, according to their wishes.
Throughout the entire process, the deceased is treated with the utmost dignity, care and respect.
A choice that reflects modern values
Many people today are looking for funeral choices that better reflect their personal values.
For some, that means reducing environmental impact. For others, it means choosing a process they feel is gentler and more closely aligned with nature.
Water cremation provides another option alongside burial and traditional flame cremation, allowing families to choose the farewell that feels right for them.
Is water cremation the same as Resomation or Aquamation?
Yes. You may hear several different names used to describe the same process.
These include:
- Water Cremation – the simplest and most widely understood term.
- Resomation® – a commercial name that has become associated with the process.
- Aquamation® – another commonly used brand name.
- Alkaline Hydrolysis – the scientific and technical term.
Although the terminology varies, they all refer to the same gentle process that uses water rather than flame.
Is water cremation environmentally friendly?
Many families choose water cremation because of its potential environmental benefits.
Compared with traditional flame cremation, water cremation can:
- Use significantly less energy.
- Produce lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Avoid combustion.
- Eliminate mercury emissions from dental amalgam.
- Reduce the environmental footprint associated with traditional cremation.
As the technology continues to develop in the UK, Aquatorium® is committed to providing transparent, evidence-based information about its environmental performance.
Is water cremation dignified?
Absolutely.
Every stage of water cremation is carried out with the same professionalism, compassion and respect expected in any funeral service.
The technology may be different, but the care shown to the deceased and their family remains exactly the same.
For many families, knowing that their loved one has been cared for through a gentle, natural process provides additional comfort during an already difficult time.
Discover Aquatorium®
At Aquatorium®, we believe families deserve greater choice in how they say goodbye.
Our mission is to make water cremation accessible, understandable and available throughout the UK, providing a modern, compassionate alternative that combines dignity, innovation and environmental responsibility.
Whether you are planning ahead, arranging a funeral or simply exploring your options, we are here to help you understand every step of the journey.
Learn More
If you’d like to understand exactly how the process works, including what happens at each stage, explore our step-by-step guide.
See How Water Cremation Works →