Water Cremation

Water Cremation in Tacoma and Lakewood

If you’re looking for a gentle alternative to traditional cremation, water cremation may be the right choice for your family. Also known as aquamation, this water-based process offers another way to honor a loved one with dignity and care. From our Lakewood location, we guide families throughout Tacoma and the surrounding Pierce County communities through every option at their own pace.

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110+ Years Serving Tacoma Families

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What Is Water Cremation?

If you’re researching water cremation in Tacoma, you may be hearing about it for the first time, and that’s completely normal. Water cremation, also called aquamation, is a gentle, water-based alternative to traditional flame cremation. The process, known technically as alkaline hydrolysis, uses water and a gentle solution to return a loved one to their natural elements. After the process is complete, your family receives the ashes, just as you would with traditional cremation. Below, we’ll explain how water cremation works, why some families choose it and how our team will guide you through every step.

You can also explore our cremation services for additional options or return to cremation options and keepsake.

Hands cupping water on a calm lake at sunset.

— How We Walk With You

How Water Cremation Works

Water cremation is a gentle process, and understanding it can help bring peace of mind when you’re considering your options. Our Lakewood team will explain each step in plain language, answer your questions and guide you through every decision with care.

A Gentle, Water-Based Process

Water cremation uses warm water and a natural alkaline solution to gently return the body to its basic elements over several hours. The process mirrors what happens naturally over time, taking place in a private, dignified setting with respectful care throughout.

The Ashes Returned to Your Family

When the process is complete, your loved one’s ashes are returned to your family, just as they would be with traditional cremation. From there, you can choose the memorial option that feels right, whether that’s an urn, a keepsake, a scattering or another meaningful tribute.

A Choice You Can Make Now or Plan Ahead

Water cremation can be arranged after a recent loss, or you may choose to include it when you plan ahead, giving your family clear guidance for the future. Whatever your circumstances, we’ll explain every option without pressure so you can make the choice that feels right.

Why Some Families Choose Water Cremation

Many families choose water cremation because it offers a gentle alternative to flame cremation and generally uses less energy. For some, that reflects the values their loved one held during life. It also preserves the same memorial choices, allowing families to hold a service, receive the ashes and create a meaningful tribute in the way that feels right for them.

Water cremation, also known as aquamation, is available to Washington families through Mountain View. Washington law recognizes alkaline hydrolysis as an approved method of final disposition, and facilities offering the service must be licensed by the state.

1915 Founded

110+ Years Serving Tacoma Families

100K+ Families Served

24/7 Always Available

— From the Families We Serve

Here for Families Every Step of the Way

If a Death Has Occurred

Have questions about water cremation or wondering whether it’s the right choice for your family? Our Lakewood team is available any time to explain your options, answer your questions and guide you without pressure. If you need immediate assistance after a recent loss, visit has a death occurred?

We’re available 24 hours a day.

Explore More Cremation Options

Water cremation is one of several thoughtful ways to honor a loved one, and every family chooses a path that reflects their values, traditions and wishes. Whether you’re planning ahead or making arrangements after a recent loss, we’ll help you compare your options with care and without pressure.

Urns & Cremation Jewelry

Urns and cremation jewelry offer meaningful ways to honor and remember a loved one.

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Ash Scattering Services and Laws

We arrange ash scattering in meaningful locations, from Puget Sound to the Cascades.

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Cremation Options and Keepsakes

Choose an urn, keepsake, scattering or a permanent niche in our columbarium.

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Plan Ahead

Helping you plan ahead so your family isn’t burdened.

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Chapel at Mountain View Memorial Park with stone walls and a blue metal roof.

Water Cremation Questions

  • Water cremation in Tacoma, also called aquamation, is a gentle, water-based alternative to traditional flame cremation. The process uses water rather than fire, and your family receives the ashes afterward. We’ll explain every step and answer your questions with care.

— A final note

We Are Here for Your Family, Any Time

Whether you’re arranging water cremation after a recent loss or choosing to plan ahead for the future, our Lakewood team is here to explain every option with compassion, patience and respect. Call any time, day or night, and we’ll help you choose the path that feels right for your family.

Need help right now? We’re available 24 hours a day.

We’re here for you during this difficult time.

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