What is Water Cremation? A Gentle Alternative to Flame Cremation

Water cremation is a complete alternative to traditional flame cremation that uses water, alkaline elements found in nature, and gentle circulation instead of fire.

The process returns the body to its basic elements in a way that mirrors the natural process that occurs in soil over time. After the process is complete, the remaining bones are carefully dried and reduced to ashes, which are returned to the family just as they would be following traditional cremation.

Families can still hold memorial services, celebrations of life, and other meaningful tributes, just as they would with conventional cremation.

Many people choose water cremation because it offers a process that is both environmentally responsible and deeply respectful. The process uses significantly less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct emissions.

We are proud to offer water cremation through Gentle Water Cremation. Call or email us for additional information about this service.

4 Reasons Families in St. Lucie County Are Choosing Water Cremation

Families throughout St. Lucie County are increasingly exploring water cremation as an alternative to traditional flame cremation. While every family’s decision is personal, many people are drawn to this option for a few key reasons.

A More Environmentally Responsible Choice

Water cremation is widely recognized as one of the most environmentally responsible forms of cremation available today. The process uses significantly less energy than traditional flame cremation—up to 90 percent less—and produces no direct emissions. For families who value environmental stewardship, this can feel like a meaningful final choice.

A Process That Mirrors Nature

Water cremation works by using warm water, natural alkalinity, and gentle circulation to accelerate the same natural process of decomposition that occurs in soil over time. For many families, this approach feels more aligned with the natural cycle of life.

The Same Memorial Options Families Expect

Choosing water cremation does not change how families gather to remember their loved one. Visitations, memorial services, celebrations of life, and other meaningful tributes can all take place just as they would with traditional cremation.

Another Thoughtful Option When Planning Final Arrangements

End-of-life decisions are deeply personal. Many families simply appreciate having another option when making arrangements. Water cremation allows people to choose a process that reflects their values and the life of the person they are honoring.

Through our partnership with Gentle Water Cremation, families in [County] have access to water cremation while continuing to work with the funeral home they know and trust.

How Water Cremation Works

Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, water cremation is a disposition method that uses a heated alkaline solution to accelerate the hydrolysis of organic tissues. The body is placed in a sealed stainless-steel vessel containing water and a small quantity of alkali (typically potassium hydroxide) and heated to approximately 300°F under pressure. Over several hours, the process breaks down proteins, fats, and other organic compounds into their basic molecular components. At completion, the remaining bone material is rinsed, dried, and mechanically reduced to a fine powder that is returned to the family, while the sterile aqueous effluent—composed primarily of water, salts, amino acids, and peptides—is safely returned to the wastewater treatment system in accordance with local regulations.

Water Cremation & Environmental Impact

Many families today are thinking more carefully about the environmental impact of end-of-life choices. Water cremation is often chosen because it offers a more environmentally responsible alternative to traditional flame cremation.

The process uses up to 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions. Because water cremation relies on warm water and natural

alkalinity rather than combustion, it avoids the emissions typically associated with fire-based cremation.

Water cremation is designed to mirror the natural process of decomposition that occurs in soil, simply accelerated in a carefully controlled environment. For families who value sustainability, it can provide peace of mind knowing their loved one’s final disposition reflects the same care for the environment many people practice throughout their lives.

Key Environmental Benefits

Water cremation is often chosen because it:

• Uses up to 90% less energy than flame cremation

• Produces no direct emissions

• Avoids combustion-related pollutants

• Uses water and natural alkalinity instead of fire

• Mirrors the natural process of decomposition

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Partnership with Gentle Water Cremation

Water cremation services are provided through our partnership with Gentle Water Cremation, Florida’s dedicated water cremation facility. While families continue to work directly with our funeral home for arrangements, care, and memorial planning, the water cremation process itself is performed at their specialized facility in West Palm Beach. This partnership allows us to offer water cremation as an option to the families we serve while ensuring the process is carried out using equipment and professionals specifically trained in alkaline hydrolysis.

Interested in Learning More About Water Cremation?

If you would like to explore whether water cremation may be the right choice for you or your family, we are here to help.

You can speak directly with our funeral director about water cremation or attend one of the upcoming virtual information nights hosted by Gentle Water Cremation to learn more about how the process works.

Call us Today:
Haisley Funeral & Cremation Service, 772-461-5211 or 772-879-1000

Or join an upcoming virtual information night:
https://gentlewater.com/community

We are always here to help you understand your options and make the decision that feels right for your family.