What is Water Cremation?

By: Feldman Memorial
Monday, June 13, 2022

Water cremation is slowly getting popular and cremation services in Aurora, CO shed more light on it. It also goes by different names, such as: 

●      Hydrolysis in alkaline

●      Liquid Cremation 

●      Hydrocremation 

●      Biocremation 

●      Resomation 

The terms "resomation" and "aquamation" are trademarks of the company that developed the technique. To date, resomation is the most frequently used water cremation process globally. The critical difference is that resomation takes four hours whereas aquamation takes about fourteen. 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a process that uses a high pH solution of potassium or sodium hydroxide to break down the body into its component parts. The bones are the only part of the body that remain after water cremation; all other tissues are broken down and flushed away.

 

The procedure is also known as 'flameless cremation' or 'green cremation.' Water cremation takes about 4 hours to decompose natural tissues. It's faster than the eight to twelve years that bodies take to decompose in graves. 

The procedure begins with the body being placed in a big water chamber filled with hot water and potassium or sodium hydroxide (these compounds are commonly referred to as lye - they are very similar and used interchangeably). The chamber's temperature exceeds 160°C, but the water does not boil due to the pressure. The body's natural tissues dissolve when combined with moisture, heat, and chemical components. 

This leaves only the bones and pure calcium phosphate at the end of the process. They'll be incredibly white, fragile, and mushy. They're customarily powdered and returned to the deceased person's family. They can be stored in an urn or sprayed in a meaningful manner, much like ash. What you do with the remains is entirely up to you. 

The bones, the liquids, and any dental fillings, prosthesis, or implants that the deceased had will be left over after a water cremation. During the alkaline hydrolysis process, they will have been naturally sterilized. These possessions are typically returned to the deceased person's family, or the facility can handle them. The fluid that results is sterile or 'clean.' 

The resulting fluid comprises the natural proteins (particularly amino acids), peptides, carbohydrates, and ions that make up the human body. The liquid is up to the family to decide what to do with it. Some people prefer to put it in a memorial garden or at a significant site for the person who died. 

Advantages of Water Cremation 

They are less harmful to the environment. When bodies are buried, chemicals such as embalming fluids and chemotherapeutic drugs are released into the soil. Carbon emissions are produced when they are burned. 

No mercury is released into the atmosphere. When people with dental fillings are cremated, mercury is discharged into the atmosphere. Water cremation is safer for the environment and the ozone layer. 

Water cremation does not necessitate the use of a casket. Coffins are made from natural wood and take a long time to decay. They can also be costly, and some bereaved families feel compelled to purchase an extravagant or expensive one. The body will be placed immediately into the water chamber during a water cremation. 

With water cremation, you can still host a typical funeral or wake. It's up to you to say goodbye if someone close to you has died or if you're in charge of funeral arrangements. This could entail planning a memorial service at the facility or crematorium. It could be a modest, private event or a formal funeral service open to anyone who wishes to attend. 

Alternatively, you might hold a wake instead of a funeral service. Also, you could opt for a private water cremation without a funeral or wake. Cremation services in Aurora, CO would gladly help with either. 

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