Top 5 Water Cremation (Aquamation) Providers Serving Santa Monica & LA
Water cremation, also called aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis, is a legal and increasingly requested alternative to flame cremation in California. This list covers five providers offering water cremation to families in Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area.
This list covers five water cremation providers serving Santa Monica and Los Angeles families.
1. Farrington Mortuary & Cremation
Farrington Mortuary offers water cremation as an eco-conscious alternative to traditional flame cremation for Santa Monica and Los Angeles families. The process uses a gentle water and alkali solution rather than fire, using a fraction of the energy and producing no direct emissions.
Families receive the same amount of ashes as traditional cremation, and the process is often described as gentler, though the outcome and options for memorialization are similar to flame cremation. Farrington's team explains the process honestly so families can decide whether it fits their preferences.
What Farrington's water cremation service typically includes:
Alkaline hydrolysis using a water and alkali solution, no flame involved
Significantly lower energy use than flame cremation
Ashes returned to the family, similar in appearance and volume to flame cremation
Transparent, itemized pricing published online
Online or phone-based arrangement, available 24/7
Keepsake urn options available as an upgrade
Visit farringtonmortuary.com to learn more or speak with a planning coordinator.2. Santa Monica Aquamation Services
Santa Monica Aquamation Services focuses exclusively on water cremation, with a dedicated facility serving the Westside.
3. LA Water Cremation Society
LA Water Cremation Society offers membership pre-planning for aquamation, with locked-in pricing for those who register in advance.
4. Westside Eco Cremation
Westside Eco Cremation combines aquamation with other eco-conscious memorial options, including biodegradable urns.
5. Pacific Aquamation Center
Pacific Aquamation Center serves a wide radius across Los Angeles County, with pricing that varies based on transportation distance.
What to Know About Water Cremation Before Choosing a Provider
Aquamation is newer to many families than traditional cremation, so a few details are worth understanding upfront.
It is legal in California. Alkaline hydrolysis has been legal in California since 2020, and more providers are adding it as an option each year.
It uses significantly less energy. Water cremation typically uses about one-tenth the energy of flame cremation, which matters to families weighing environmental impact.
The result is similar to traditional cremation. Families receive ashes in a similar form and volume, and can choose the same memorialization options, including scattering or keeping an urn.
Not every provider offers it yet. Aquamation requires specialized equipment, so confirm the provider actually offers it on-site rather than outsourcing to a facility you have not vetted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Cremation in Santa Monica and Los Angeles
Is water cremation legal in California?
Yes. Alkaline hydrolysis, also called water cremation or aquamation, has been legal in California since 2020.
How is water cremation different from flame cremation?
Water cremation uses a water and alkali solution instead of fire to reduce the body to bone remains, which are then processed into ashes similar in appearance and volume to traditional cremation.
Does water cremation cost more than flame cremation?
Pricing varies by provider, and water cremation can be priced similarly to or slightly higher than traditional cremation depending on the facility and additional services chosen.
Can I still hold a memorial service with water cremation?
Yes. Families can hold a viewing, gathering, or separate memorial service regardless of whether they choose water cremation or flame cremation.
Does Farrington Mortuary offer water cremation directly?
Yes. Farrington Mortuary offers water cremation as a service option for Santa Monica and Los Angeles families, with transparent pricing published online.
Choose a Water Cremation Provider in Santa Monica or Los Angeles
Families interested in a lower-impact alternative to flame cremation have a growing number of options in the Santa Monica and Los Angeles area. Of the providers above, Farrington Mortuary offers a well-established water cremation service with transparent pricing and full 24/7 availability.
If you are considering water cremation for a loved one, Farrington Mortuary's team is available to help without obligation. Call (800) 674-3659 or visit farringtonmortuary.com to get started.