Water cremation, scientifically known as Alkaline Hydrolysis, is a process that uses water mixed with alkali (sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide) to break down the body after death. Much like natural decomposition that occurs when someone is buried in the soil, this technology simply speeds up the process with fewer of the environmental impacts often associated with flame cremation or burial.

The ashes families receive are very similar to those from a flame-based cremation. They tend to be whiter in color and often, about 20% more than a flame-based cremation would produce.

Our bodies are 65% water to begin with. During this process, the tissues are broken down into their most basic components, leaving behind water, amino acids, nutrients, salts and sugars. No DNA or RNA are left, just inorganic minerals (our bones), which become the ashes we return to the family. The process also neutralizes and destroys chemicals such as pharmaceuticals (like chemo drugs or other medications), and it kills infectious bacteria and viruses.

The water is returned to the ecosystem via the wastewater treatment facility. There is no alkali (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) left in the water as it is consumed during the process. There is also no DNA, no identifying components of the person, and no chemicals (i.e. chemo, or pharmaceuticals) as they are also neutralized. Again, the only components in the water are amino acids, nutrients, salts and sugars so it is not harmful to the water system or the environment. In fact, it is really good for the environment in that it destroys all the other chemicals that may have been in the body (see above).

No! Exactly the opposite in fact. The sodium and potassium hydroxide create a solution with a very basic pH that is safe for the environment. These salts are used in lots of products including things like soap, shampoo and body wash that we use every day.

A single water cremation uses less water than an average household uses in a day.

The cremation takes place in a stainless-steel vessel at our facility. The body is placed into the vessel, then the water solution flows around the body to complete the process. It takes 6-8 hours, then the mineral remains (bones) are removed from the vessel and processed down into ash that is returned to the family.

Our trained staff will care for the person throughout the process. The person is cared for in a dignified and professional manner at all times.

For over 20 years, medical facilities have used water cremation. This includes the Mayo Clinic and other medical schools that accept full body donations – USLA and UTSW. It has also been used for pets for many years.

Throughout the country, many states have added this choice for families. Goes Funeral Care is one of only a few providers in the state of Colorado. When the process was introduced in our state, we meticulously worked with the county, other local businesses, and industry leaders to ensure that our high standard of care would be met when we began to provide Water Cremation to our Northern Colorado community.

Our body’s final journey back to the earth creates a lasting impact on those who are left. For many, Water Cremation is an ideal option – it is a gentle process, it does not require a burial plot, and it minimizes our impact on the environment with a 90% lower carbon footprint than flame cremation. However you decide to return to Mother Nature, we are here to help.

Traditional flame cremation reduces the body using combustion. After several hours of combustion at a very high temperature, we are left with fragments of bone, which are processed into finer ashes or cremated remains.

We invite families to participate as much as they would like. A witnessed cremation provides an experience very similar to a burial, when some families choose to watch the casket be lowered into the ground. Family and friends can stand right alongside the funeral director and crematory operator as their loved one’s body is placed respectfully into the crematory.

Flame cremation produces some carbon emissions, but at Goes, we offset this by purchasing all of our electricity via wind generated power. Families also have the option to choose water cremation, which has fewer environmental impacts.

In the United States, the cremation rate is just over 50%. In the state of Colorado, this is closer to 75%. The rate varies depending on location, faith traditions, and cultural expectations.

Seeing a loved one can be an important part of the grieving process for many people. Rest assured, a viewing and visitation at the funeral home, or another location can absolutely take place prior to the cremation. The person’s body may or may not be embalmed for a viewing depending on the timing and location. This is something the funeral director can help a family decide based on circumstances.

Our trained staff will care for the person throughout the process. The person is cared for in a dignified and professional manner at all times.

We invite families to participate as much as they would like. A witnessed cremation provides an experience very similar to a burial, when some families choose to watch the casket be lowered into the ground. Family and friends can stand right alongside the funeral director and crematory operator as their loved one’s body is placed respectfully into the crematory.

Flame cremation produces some carbon emissions, but at Goes, we offset this by purchasing all of our electricity via wind generated power. Families also have the option to choose water cremation, which has fewer environmental impacts.

There are many locations where a permit for scattering cremated remains may be obtained. This includes Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have a place in mind, check with local municipalities or your funeral director for assistance.

This actually varies from state to state and between different funeral homes. The state of Colorado is the only state that does not require licensing for funeral professionals. At Goes Funeral Care, we require that our directors attend Mortuary School, complete extensive on-the-job training, and participate in ongoing education such as crematory operator training.

Embalming is not a requirement and is often unnecessary. Refrigeration allows for safe care for a person’s body when embalming is not indicated. It is best to discuss options with a funeral director to learn more about the circumstances where embalming would be recommended.

Larimer County has a system where funeral homes share the responsibility of caring for those without family or resources. As service providers, we ensure that all individuals are cared for in a dignified and respectful manner, regar

Larimer County Human Services has a Burial Assistance Program that may be able to help with some of the cost of final arrangements. For more information, families can reach out to them directly (https://www.larimer.org/humanservices/public-benefits/burial-assistance) or work with a local funeral home to apply at the time of someone’s passing.

A person’s final arrangements are an important part of their life and their legacy. It is important to us that every family feels comfortable with the care that we provide to both their loved one as well as the whole family. Our best advice is to call a few places and even stop in to see where you are most comfortable and who you feel you can trust. As a locally owned business and members of the community ourselves, we work to provide personalized and loving care every day.

Please call us any time with questions. You will never be pressured to sign a contract, pay anything up-front, or make any rushed decisions. You and your family will feel more at ease throughout this difficult process if you are well informed of the options and you have time to discuss. Whether you plan to use our services or not, we are here to help.

Seeing a loved one can be an important part of the grieving process for many people. Rest assured, a viewing and visitation at the funeral home, or another location can absolutely take place prior to the cremation. The person’s body may or may not be embalmed for a viewing depending on the timing and location. This is something the funeral director can help a family decide based on circumstances.