About the Aquamation Process

What is Aquamation?

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, offers a gentle, nature-inspired alternative to traditional fire cremation. Instead of fire, aquamation uses water, alkali, and heat to return your loved one’s ashes home—or scattered back to the earth.

The process achieves the same respectful result as cremation, without fire, intense heat, or the burning of fossil fuels. It’s a cleaner, more sustainable way to honor your companion’s life and memory.

Why Choose Aquamation?

Every flame cremation releases an average of 250 lbs of CO₂ into the atmosphere — the equivalent of burning over 100 pounds of coal for a single pet. It relies on fossil fuels, produces toxic emissions, and leaves a lasting mark on the planet.

Aquamation is different — it uses only warm water and natural alkali to complete your loved one’s cremation, using 90% less energy and producing no harmful emissions.

The result is a soft, white ash that’s safe to scatter, bury, or keep.

By choosing aquamation, you’re honoring your pet with a process that mirrors nature and protects the places they loved — the parks, the trails, the open sky. It’s a meaningful way to say goodbye while caring for the planet, too.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES

Naturally Safe

Aquamation completely neutralizes all pathogens, viruses, and harmful substances, including chemotherapy and euthanasia drugs.

Up to 90% Less Energy Use

Aquamation uses a fraction of the energy required for flame cremation, avoiding the need for fossil-fueled incinerators.

Zero Air Pollution

Aquamation emits no smoke, particulates, or toxic gases like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, or mercury.

No Crematory Chimneys

or Burn-Offs

Traditional pet crematories often operate large burners that release heat and pollutants; aquamation eliminates this entirely.

Water Byproduct Becomes Fertilizer

The liquid byproduct from the aquamation cycle is nutrient-rich and repurposed as an all-natural fertilizer, Earth Glow, completing the cycle of life.

Supports Regenerative Farming

By donating Earth Glow to pet owners or local farmers, aquamation contributes to sustainable, regenerative farming practices.

Ash That Is Safe To Scatter

Flame cremation produces acidic ash with a pH that can harm plants and soil, while aquamated remains are pH-neutral and far more compatible with the natural environment, making them safe to scatter or bury.

Gentle on Nature’s Cycle

Aquamation mirrors the natural decomposition process — it's aligned with how the earth breaks down organic matter over time, just much faster and cleaner.

HOW OUR PROCESS WORKS

From start to finish, we’re here for you.

You or your veterinarian reach out to us by phone — day or night.

Together, we make arrangements that reflect your wishes and your pet’s needs.

Your pet is brought into our care, either from your home or veterinary clinic, or you’re welcome to bring them to our facility yourselves.

A stainless steel ID tag is placed with your pet and stays with them throughout the entire process. This tag is eventually returned to you along with your loved one’s ashes.

Your loved one’s aquamation is completed.

Ashes and keepsakes are returned and ready to come home.

We keep you informed throughout the entire process, so you’re never left with doubt or questions.

We handle everything ourselves with transparency and compassion, ensuring your pet never leaves our care — and you always know they’re in good hands.

frequently asked questions

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 429 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Wendi Babcock 
 03/06/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Losing a pet is heartbreaking and John at Water Bridge made the entire process smooth and did so with intentional compassion and understanding. I recommend John and Water Bridge Aquamation with no hesitation.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dawn Irwin 
 01/06/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I lost my soulmate and John was the kindest to help me preserve some of my sweet baby. This is a great place if you are looking for compassion and kindness. Thank you for helping me get through this very difficult time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katalena Valdez 
 27/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dog passed away late on a Friday night. I was distraught and inconsolable. We were able to meet with John within a couple of hours where he received my dog's body, walked us through the process and let us say our final goodbyes. It was one of the worst days of my life followed by the most painful week. John was sensitive, caring and understanding throughout the entire process, even when I showed up a day early to receive her ashes. I cannot imagine a different series of events that night and I'm thankful for the treatment I received. Even now it's difficult to recall anything positive from that night, but I do remember John giving me the space/time I needed and listening to my grief ramblings about an animal he had never met. Overall a good experience during an impossible time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elijah Hargrove 
 25/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was personally recommended a couple weeks ago. John and Joe did an amazing job explaining and letting me know every step there going to take. My son Charlie was able to lay peacefully and move on with the other animals. Thank you for the amazing service 🙏💯
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicholas Tate 
 20/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service, kind and caring people
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brandon Powell 
 20/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A great experience with a kind and helpful company. John was there to walk me through the process in a clear and informative way and to answer any questions I had. He was a great guy and Water Bridge provided excellent service during a difficult time
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Molly Smith 
 20/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John was so kind, supportive, respectful, compassionate, and professional. Water Bridge Aquamation's physical location creates a beautiful and peaceful environment to honor your pet, and I couldn't be more grateful that the Denver area has this resource for pet owners. Thank you for offering such an important service with the utmost quality and empathy. I also love my paw print keepsake. :)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christian Martinez 
 19/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are so grateful with all of them for the incredible work and dedication during this difficult moment for us
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Angelica B 
 19/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When my hammie passed, I was unsure of where I could take him. They popped up in my searches and i gave them a call. When I took in my hammie the next day, they greeted me with so much comfort, care, and love. They treated us with so much thought and consideration, almost like a wing placed on our backs like a blanket. I felt i did the right thing by giving them Lil Boy, my hamster, and get taken care of. They gave me an urn made out of bamboo, his paw prints, some of his fur, and some of his nose prints. As much as I miss him, I felt so fortunate and so lucky to have found Water Bridge Aquamation when I did in my moment of panic and sadness, but they took care of me since the first time the phone rang to the last time, where I got to take my hammie home once again. Thank you so much.

Let's Connect

Whether you're exploring options for the future or need help now, we're here for you.

Location

5455 East Evans Place

Denver, CO 80222