For families exploring end-of-life options, cremation and burial have long been the default choices. But a growing number of people are asking about something different, something gentler, more sustainable, and deeply meaningful. That option is aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation.
At Endswell Funeral Home, we’re proud to be the only funeral home in the Triangle with our own aquamation facility. In this article, we’ll walk you through what aquamation is, how it compares to flame cremation, and why so many families, religious, spiritual, environmental, or simply thoughtful, are choosing it.
What Is Aquamation?
Aquamation uses water, not fire to return the body to its basic elements.
In a natural process that mimics the gentle breakdown that occurs in the earth, the body is placed in a stainless steel vessel with 95% water and 5% alkali (sodium and potassium salts). Warm water circulates for several hours, accelerating the natural return to smaller particles. What remains is:
- Bone ash, which is processed and returned to the family, just as with cremation.
- A sterile watermade up of amino acids, sugars, and nutrients, entirely safe for wastewater systems.
There’s no fire, no smoke, no direct emissions, just a gentle, water-based process that reflects both innovation and tradition.
Why People Choose Aquamation
- It Feels Gentler
Many people are drawn to the symbolism of water, its association with peace, cleansing, rebirth, and spiritual renewal. For some, fire feels violent or abrupt, while water feels quiet, soft, and sacred.
Families often tell us they chose aquamation because it simply felt more aligned with their loved one’s values or spirit.
- It’s Better for the Environment
Aquamation uses:
- 90% less energythan flame cremation
- No fossil fuelsor incineration
- No harmful emissions, like mercury or carbon dioxide
There’s no smoke released into the air and no need for fire-retardant caskets or fossil fuel consumption. For families seeking eco-conscious end-of-life options, aquamation is one of the most sustainable choices available.
- The Ashes Are Different
Ashes returned after aquamation are typically lighter in color and finer in texture than those from cremation. Because there is no burning, the resulting remains are clean, pure, and often described as “softer.” Families sometimes find this comforting.
- It’s Rooted in Science and Innovation
Originally developed for medical settings, aquamation has been used for decades to respectfully handle the remains of anatomical donors. Today, it is a legal and regulated form of disposition in North Carolina and many other states.
Aquamation vs. Cremation: Key Differences
| Aquamation | Cremation | |
| Process | Water-based hydrolysis | Flame-based incineration |
| Energy use | Low | High |
| Emissions | None | CO₂, mercury, dioxins |
| Symbolism | Cleansing, peaceful | Fire, transformation |
| Ash appearance | White, soft, powdery | Gray, coarse, may contain char |
| Environmental | More sustainable | Less sustainable |
Why Aquamation Is Growing in Popularity
From Chapel Hill to Durham to Raleigh, families across the Triangle are choosing aquamation because it aligns with their values. Whether they are looking for an environmentally friendly choice, want to avoid fire, or simply prefer something new and meaningful, aquamation offers a thoughtful alternative.
We’ve seen growing interest from:
- Younger families making intentional, values-based choices
- Hospice patients and elders who want to reduce their ecological footprint
- Religious and spiritual individuals who find peace in water’s symbolism
- Environmentalists and conservationists who seek gentler after-death options
The Endswell Approach to Aquamation
Endswell Funeral Home is the only funeral home in the Triangle with its own aquamation facility, allowing us to provide this gentle form of disposition without outsourcing or transporting your loved one elsewhere. This means:
- Fewer delaysand faster turnaround
- Complete control and transparency
- Care from our licensed team every step of the way
Our aquamation package is $3,500, and includes:
- 24/7 pickup from place of death
- Filing all required permits and documentation
- The aquamation process
- A handcrafted bamboo urn made in North Carolina
- Delivery of ashes and death certificates to the family
- No hidden fees. No upselling. Ever.
Families who need financial support can request sliding scale pricing or payment assistance. We believe every person deserves a dignified, meaningful farewell.
What Families Are Saying
We are deeply honored by the families who have entrusted us with this new form of care. Many tell us they didn’t know aquamation was an option until they found us, and they left feeling relieved, supported, and at peace with the choice they made.
Our reputation is built on trust, transparency, and compassion. Doctors, social workers, hospice nurses, and estate attorneys throughout the Triangle regularly refer families to Endswell because they know we will provide care with competence and heart.
Is Aquamation Right for You?
Aquamation isn’t for everyone and that’s okay. The right form of disposition is deeply personal. And, that’s why we offer both traditional cremation and Aquamation. At Endswell, we’re here to explain your options without pressure, answer your questions honestly, and guide you toward a choice that feels meaningful to you and your family.
If you’re considering aquamation in North Carolina, we invite you to call or email us for a no-pressure consultation. Whether you’re pre-planning or responding to a recent loss, we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.
Endswell Funeral Home | Hillsborough, NC
Modern. Transparent. Thoughtful.
Learn more about aquamation or schedule a free consultation at www.endswellfuneralhome.com.
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