At Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, we help Bay Area families understand water cremation, a gentle and more eco-conscious alternative to flame cremation.
Speak with a caring local director, day or night.
1909Founded
115+ Years Serving Oakland Families
100,000+ Families Served
You may have heard the term water cremation and wondered how it differs from what you already know. Water cremation, also called aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis, uses warm water and a gentle process rather than flame to return a loved one to their natural elements. Many Bay Area families choose it because it feels more akin to their loved one’s wishes, and because it’s kinder to the environment. At Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, one team explains the choices in plain terms and coordinates everything along with the rest of the arrangements. Here’s what water cremation involves, and what families should know before making a decision.
Understanding any process can make a hard decision easier. Here’s what water cremation involves, why families across Oakland and the East Bay choose it and how our team handles each step so nothing is left for you to manage alone.
Aquamation in Oakland uses a gentle flow of warm water to return the body to its natural elements. This process is also known as alkaline hydrolysis. East Bay families often describe it as the softer, quieter path, and our team explains every step of the process.
For many families, the appeal is easy to understand. Water cremation uses less energy than flame cremation and releases no direct emissions, which makes sense for those who lived gently with the world around them. It is a quiet, eco-conscious way to honor a life.
After the process, your family receives the remains to honor in the way that feels right for you, whether that’s an urn kept at home, a scattering in a meaningful place or a permanent tribute at our Oakland columbarium. Our team can help you choose what suits your loved one and your family.
Water cremation in Oakland, CA suits families searching for a gentler, more natural goodbye, and those for whom an eco-conscious choice matters. It’s consistent with many cultural and personal traditions, and our team is glad to walk through the options with you.
Every detail of water cremation is arranged through our team in Oakland so your family doesn’t have to coordinate any details. From the first question to the moment you bring your loved one home, we guide you with care and clarity.
1909 Founded
115+ Years Serving Oakland Families
100K+ Families Served
24/7 Always Available
— From the families
If a loved one has passed and you’re weighing cremation options, our compassionate Oakland team will explain water cremation and help you with the decision. We’re here for your family.
We’re available 24 hours a day.
Water cremation is one of several ways families honor a loved one. From a simple direct cremation to choosing what comes after, our Oakland team handles it all from our Piedmont Avenue location, so your family is supported through the entire process.
Water cremation, also called aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis, uses warm water rather than flame to gently return the body to its natural elements. At our Oakland chapel we explain the process in plain terms and return the remains to your family afterward.
Whether you’re making arrangements now or planning ahead, our Oakland team will explain water cremation and help you choose a goodbye that feels right for your family. We’re here to support your family, at any hour of the day.
We’re here for you during this difficult time.
(510) 379-5200