Water Cremation – A Gentle and Eco-Friendly Farewell

Water cremation, also known as aqua cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, is a modern, environmentally responsible alternative to traditional flame cremation, in a gentle way.

How does it work?

What Is Water Cremation?

Water cremation is a natural process that uses a warm water and alkaline solution to return the body to its basic elements much like what happens naturally over time during burial, but in a faster, controlled environment.

The process takes around 4 hours and involves: Placing your loved one in a stainless steel vessel Adding a solution of 95% rain water and 5% alkali (potassium hydroxide) that's used to create soap Gently circulating warm water no warmer than 93°C Producing soft, white ash that is returned to the family in an urn The remaining sterile liquid contains no DNA, chemicals, or harmful substances and is safely treated through our five stage filtration system attached to our machine. The remaining liquids that are left are broken down in these five stages, leaving only clean water at the end of the process.

Direct Water Cremation

No Attendance Water Cremation

$ 2600
Incl GST
  • Experienced Funeral Director
  • 24/7 Transfer Into Our Care within 50km's*
  • Paperwork & Arrangements
  • Death Certificate
  • Private Gentle Water Cremation
  • Return Of Ashes To You

DIY Memorial Service

DIY Memorial Service

$ 4400
Incl GST
  • Everything Direct Plus*
  • Digital Funeral Service Booklets
  • Printed Memorial Attendance
  • Guidance To Prepare A Memorial
  • (Digital) Video Presentation

*Cremation packages apply to a water cremation at a selected water crematorium chosen by The Gentle Way only. Where a service is included in the package or viewing the day, location and time is at the discretion of The Gentle Way and is subject to availability. Where a service is part of the package, additional fees will apply for ancillary services such as celebrant, clergy, flowers, press notices, mourning stationery etc. Additional fees may be charged for transfers greater than a 50km radius from our care locations. All prices include GST. No further discounts will apply.

Water Cremation Explained

Why More Families Are Choosing
Water Cremation

Low Environmental Impact Water cremation produces up to 90% fewer carbon emissions than traditional cremation and avoids releasing harmful substances into the air.

No Flame, No Smoke, No Pollution Unlike flame cremation, there are no airborne toxins, no mercury emissions, and no particulate matter. It's a clean, sustainable choice.

Mercury-Free and Implant-Friendly Medical devices like pacemakers and dental fillings remain intact and can be safely removed and recycled without risk.

Gentle and Respectful The process is calm and natural, without harsh flame or high heat. It treats your loved one with utmost dignity at every stage.

A Greener Legacy No embalming chemicals. No casket purchase required (rental available if needed). No land use or long-term environmental strain.

What is Water Cremation? Water Cremation, also known as Alkaline Hydrolysis, is an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional fire cremation and burial. This innovative process was recognised as a 2015 Finalist in the prestigious Australian Technology Competition for its groundbreaking contribution to Green funeral practices. The Environmental Impact of Fire Cremation and Burial Conventional cremation and burial have significant environmental drawbacks:

Fire Cremation: Generates approximately 400 kilograms of carbon emissions per cremation. Produces as much CO2 as driving from Melbourne to Perth. Contributes around 40 million kilograms of carbon emissions annually, making it a major factor in climate change.

Why Choose Water Cremation? Water Cremation is a low-emission, eco-friendly solution that operates at significantly lower temperatures than fire cremation, producing less than 10% of the carbon emissions. Compared to burial, Water Cremation is a far more sustainable choice, helping to reduce your environmental footprint. (see our machine below)