Aquamation Effluent

What exactly is it and why we might want it back?

The Essence of the Process: Nutrient-Rich Water

At the conclusion of the aquamation process, what remains—beyond the mineral remains that compose the ashes—is a sterile, aqueous solution composed of the organic building blocks of life. While technical terms might refer to this as effluent, we prefer to view it as nutrient-rich water. Because aquamation uses a gentle flow of water and temperature rather than fire, this liquid is completely pathogen-free, eco-friendly, and rich in salts, sugars, and amino acids. It is essentially the "essence" of a life returned to its simplest form.

Many families find comfort in knowing that this liquid can be returned to the cycle of nature, serving as a powerful liquid fertilizer to nourish memorial gardens or forest floors, ensuring that a final footprint on earth is one of growth and renewal.

Why Families Often Choose to Keep It

Many of our clients choose to receive a portion (or with True Private, all) of this solution for several heartfelt reasons:

  • Environmental Stewardship: It is a high-quality, natural fertilizer that helps restore soil health.

  • Symbolic Continuity: It allows a loved one to physically contribute to the growth of a "living memorial," such as a new tree or flower bed.

  • Total Return: It ensures that 100% of the remains are honored and utilized, rather than a portion being lost to the atmosphere through a chimney or processed through a municipal system.

*To ensure the solution is perfectly balanced for the environment, after the process is complete, we use a gentle CO2 neutralization process to stabilize the pH level, resulting in a safe, pH-neutral liquid that is ready to support and nourish new life. Learn more about this process here.


Pet Funeral Director and Ikaroa Falls Co-Owner explains how the nutrient rich by product of Aquamation can be returned and used to create living memorials eternally honoring the joy our pet’s love brought us in life.

The diluted effluent from pet aquamation can enhance plant growth in the following ways

  1. Nutrient Supply: The effluent contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for plant health and growth.

  2. Watering: Use the diluted effluent to water your plants. This direct application allows the roots to absorb the nutrients, promoting healthier and more vigorous growth.

  3. Soil Enrichment: Incorporate the diluted effluent into the soil before planting. This enriches the soil, improving its fertility and providing a nutrient base for new plants.

  4. Fertilizer Boost: Apply the diluted effluent as a natural fertilizer during the growing season. This helps support active growth and flowering, enhancing overall plant vitality.

  5. Compost Enhancement: Add the diluted effluent to your compost pile. It will boost microbial activity, speeding up decomposition and creating nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

  6. Foliar Feeding: Use the diluted effluent in a spray bottle to mist plant leaves. This foliar feeding method allows plants to absorb nutrients directly through their leaves, promoting quick uptake.

By applying the diluted effluent regularly, you can significantly improve plant growth and health while promoting sustainability in your gardening practices.