Aquamation Services in Raleigh, NC
A gentle alternative to traditional cremation.
Aquamation uses water, temperature, and an alkaline water solution to return the body to its natural elements.
A Different Kind of Cremation
Aquamation offers many of the same choices as traditional cremation, including time for a gathering, viewing, ceremony, or private goodbye. The difference is in the process.
Instead of flame, aquamation uses a combination of water, alkaline solution, gentle heat, and circulation. At the end of the process, the remaining bone is carefully dried and processed into a fine, light-colored material that is returned to the family in an urn.
Water-Based Process
Aquamation uses water rather than flame to accelerate the natural process that occurs after burial.
A Gentle Alternative
The process takes place at a lower temperature and does not involve direct flame.
More Remains Returned
Aquamation generally returns a greater amount of remains than flame cremation because the process is gentler on the bone.
The Same Memorial Choices
Families may still choose a visitation, funeral, memorial service, witness, or private time together before aquamation.
How Does Aquamation Work?
Aquamation uses the scientific process of alkaline hydrolysis. The person is placed in a specialized vessel containing water and a small amount of alkaline solution. Gentle heat and circulation accelerate the natural breakdown of organic material.
When the process is complete, the water contains naturally occurring compounds such as salts, sugars, amino acids, and peptides. The remaining bone is dried and carefully processed before being placed in an urn and returned to the family.
There is no flame, and the person is cared for individually throughout the process.
Reach Out
Call us any time, day or night. We'll answer your questions and make arrangements to bring your family member into our care.
Meet with Us
We will meet with you to gather the necessary information, complete authorizations, and discuss aquamation, ceremony, and memorial options.
Plan the Goodbye
Aquamation does not prevent you from having a visitation, funeral, memorial service, or private family gathering beforehand, if requested.
Aquamation Takes Place
The person is transferred to the licensed aquamation facility, where the water-based process is completed with care.
The Remains Are Returned
The processed remains are placed in the urn you selected and returned to you. We can also help you consider burial, scattering, placement in a columbarium, or keeping the urn at home.
Aquamation vs. Flame Cremation
Choosing between aquamation and flame cremation is a personal decision. Both provide a dignified way to honor someone's life.
- Water-based procedure
- Lower operating temperature
- Usually returns more remains
- Remains lighter in color
- Heat & Flame Based
- Higher operating temperature
- Uses direct flame
- Remains grey or tan
Wondering Whether Aquamation Is Right for You?
You don't have to have all the answers before reaching out. We're here to explain how aquamation works, answer your questions, and help you understand how it compares with other options. Whether you're making arrangements now or planning ahead, we'll help you choose what feels right for you and your family.
What is aquamation?
Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is a process that uses water, temperature, and a gentle alkaline solution to accelerate the natural process of decomposition. It is an alternative to traditional flame cremation and is increasingly chosen by families seeking an environmentally conscious option.
Is aquamation the same as alkaline hydrolysis?
Yes. Aquamation is the common term used to describe alkaline hydrolysis. Both names refer to the same process. Many people find the term "aquamation" easier to understand because it highlights the water-based nature of the process.
How does aquamation differ from traditional cremation?
Traditional cremation uses flame and high heat to reduce the body to bone fragments. Aquamation uses water, temperature, and alkalinity rather than fire. In both cases, families receive remains that can be kept, buried, scattered, or memorialized.
Is the body placed in a casket during aquamation?
No. During aquamation, the body is typically placed in a biodegradable, water-soluble shroud. The shroud dissolves during the process, allowing aquamation to occur naturally and without the use of a traditional casket.
Why are more remains returned after aquamation?
Because aquamation does not expose the body to intense flame, more of the bone mineral remains intact. As a result, families often receive approximately 20% to 30% more remains than they would after traditional cremation.
Is aquamation legal in North Carolina?
Yes. Aquamation is legal in North Carolina and is regulated in the same professional manner as other forms of final disposition.
Is aquamation approved by religious organizations?
Views vary among religious traditions. Some faith communities have embraced aquamation, while others continue to prefer traditional burial or cremation. If religious considerations are important to your family, we encourage discussing them with your clergy or spiritual advisor.
Does aquamation use chemicals?
Aquamation uses a gentle alkaline solution composed primarily of water and naturally occurring compounds. No harsh acids are used, and the process mimics what occurs naturally in the earth over time..
We're Here When You're Ready
Whether you need guidance now or are planning ahead, we're here to listen and help you take the next step.