The passing of a loved one is a profound event that often demands quick decisions. If traditional burial or cremation doesn’t align with your values, you might be interested to know that aquamation is a legal and eco-friendly option for humans and pets, available in California.
What Is Aquamation?
Also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, aquamation is an environmentally-friendly, water-based process that uses alkali to accelerate the natural decomposition of the body.
How Aquamation Works
Aquamation is a flameless cremation process that employs an alkaline hydrolysis machine to replicate the natural degradation process of the body, but at a faster pace.
Preparation
Your loved one is respectfully positioned within a specially designed stainless steel vessel.
Introducing Water and Alkali
A carefully measured mixture of water and alkali salts is added to the vessel, raising the alkalinity of the water.
Sealing and Activation
The vessel is securely sealed, and the aqua cremation process begins.
Organic Breakdown
The gentle warm water movement within the vessel efficiently breaks down the body’s organic materials.
Honoring the Departed’s Remains
Following the process, the remaining bone fragments are carefully retrieved.
Cremated Remains Processing
Similar to traditional cremation, the bone fragments are processed into a fine ash that can be scattered or buried in a natural burial ground for a green burial.
Eco-Friendly Liquid Solution
The process leaves behind a sterile liquid solution, which is entirely safe and environmentally friendly.
Honoring the Ecosystem
The water is responsibly treated before safely returning it into the ecosystem.
Is it Legal?
Yes, aquamation is legal in California. The process for humans was legalized after passing bill AB 967 under Governor Jerry Brown. This bill was signed in 2017 and enacted in 2020. Additionally, aquamation for pets is legal in California and all 50 states.
Providers
There are a few providers that offer aquamation for humans in California. There are also several that specialize in pet aquamation.
Better Place
Better Place offers a Complete Cremation Package with carbon-neutral aquamation that included everything you need and nothing you don’t for $4,950. Plus you have the option to add a living memorial where you can return the aquamation ashes to the earth in a Natural Memorial Ceremony.
Pacific Internment
Pacific Interment is a small, Northern California business with three locations in San Francisco, Oakland and Emeryville that provides cremation, direct aquamation and burial services in the Greater Bay Area. Direct aquamation prices start at $3750.
Ethos
Located near Sacramento, Ethos offers cremation, aquamation, and burial services with packages starting at $4,995.
Natural Grace
Serving Southern California, Natural Grace is a full-service, female-owned and operated provider that offers aquamation packages starting at $4995.
White Rose Creamtion
Operating in San Diego County, White Rose Aqua Cremation specializes in aquamation with packages from $3,750 for direct aquamation to $9,950 for Memorial Tree aquamation packages.
Peaceful Pets Aquamation
Peaceful Pets Aquamation provides pet cremation services in California in partnership with veterinary hospitals.
How Much Does Aquamation Cost in California?
Aquamation is more expensive than cremation but cheaper than conventional burial. In 2026, the average cost of no-frills direct cremation in California is $2,000, though prices can run $1,000 to $3,000. And adding a Memorial service can raise A simple burial is around $8,000 per Funeralocity in 2026, while a more elaborate burial can exceed $20,000.
The median price for direct aquamation is $4,000 and can run up to $10,000 for packages, depending on provider. The cost depends on added services like body transport, memorial services and final resting place selection.
Comparing Aquamation to Other Methods
Aquamation vs. Cremation
- Environmental Impact: Aquamation produces no greenhouse gases and uses 90% less energy.
- Ash Quality: Aquamation yields whiter, smoother ashes compared to the grayish ash from traditional cremation.
- Volume of Ashes: Aquamation produces 20-30% more ashes than flame-based cremation.
Aquamation vs. Burial
- Space Efficiency: Aquamation doesn’t require land, whereas traditional burial uses significant land space.
- Less Contamination: Aquamation eliminates the risk of soil and water contamination associated with burials.
- Less Toxicity: Unlike embalming, which uses harmful chemicals, aquamation is a non-toxic process.
- Less Material Usage: Traditional burials require materials like wood for caskets, which aquamation does not.
Sustainable Alternative to Aquamation California
While aquamation is not yet widely available throughout California, there are other sustainable alternatives to traditional burial.
Human Composting
Also called terramation, human composting transforms human remains into soil through natural organic reduction. It offers a greener path to rest in peace than traditional burial.
Memorial Tree
Instead of a tombstone, you can choose a Memorial Tree and spread ashes around it in a protected forest. This sustainable alternative aids reforestation and conservation efforts, providing a lasting tribute to the natural cycle of life.
Is Aquamation Right for Me?
Aquamation may be a good choice for you if you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly end of life alternative. It’s one of many sustainable alternatives to traditional burial that are gaining appeal that minimize the human footprint and leave a legacy of nurturing the Earth.
