AQUATAB FAQS
What are AQUATABS?
AQUATABS are effervescent tablets which kill microorganisms in water to prevent cholera, typhoid, dysentery and other water borne diseases leading to a 99.9999% reduction in bacteria, a 99.99% reduction in viruses and a 99.9% reduction in Cysts (Giardia) within 30 minutes, when used in non-turbid water.
How much water does each tablet treat?
Each AQUATAB treats/disinfects up to one liter of water. However, the amount may vary depending on water clarity. Turbid water may require filtration and result in a lower treated amount per tablet.
Do AQUATABS continue to kill microbes after it has treated the water?
No. Once the water is safe to drink, it no longer requires disinfecting.
Do AQUATABS have an expiration date?
Yes. The expiration date is 5 years from date of production. The expiration date is printed on each foil tablet strip.
How many quarts is one Liter?
1 Liter = 1.05669 Quarts
Do AQUATABS leave a taste in the water?
After the water has been treated there should be no discernible taste or odor.
What is the active ingredient in AQUATABS?
Each AQUATAB contains a measured dose of Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate, commonly referred to as NaDCC. When added to water, Aquatabs dissolve to release a measured dose of hypochlorous acid (free available chlorine) that is universally recognized as a safe and effective water disinfectant. AQUATABS are one of the few water purification tablets on the market today which are certified to NSF / ANSI 60. It's active ingredient, NaDCC (ACL60 grade) is also US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved. AQUATABS also conform to WHO Specification (The New Emergency Health Kit 98), International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement specification (Code: Type 21.1), UNICEF specification (Codes: S 1588350 / S 158355 / S 0003245) and NATO Stock Number (NSN) 6850-99-225-1833).
Is Iodine included in ingredients?
No, it is a chlorine-based product.
Do you need to wait 30 minutes to purify before drinking?
Yes, 30 minutes at the minimum. The colder the water and more turbid the longer it can take. More turbid water we recommend waiting a minimum of 60 minutes.
Is warm water better for AQUATABS?
Tablets dissolve faster in warm water, but don’t make it warmer than lukewarm
Will AQUATABS kill parasites?
Yes.
Are tablets individually sealed?
Yes, in water-proof foil packets.
How big are the tablets?
Each AQUATAB is 49mg (16.88% of NaDCC) and can treat up to 1 Liter of water
How long has the manufacturer been producing AQUATABS?
Over 20 years.
Can the tablets be cut to treat less water?
Yes.
Can AQUATABS be used after expiration date?
We do not recommend using the product after the expiration date.
Can AQUATABS be used while pregnant?
Yes. You can safely consume water treated by AQUATABS within the normal dosage levels.
What do you do if you have swallowed an AQUATABS tablet?
Drink plenty of milk or water. Although AQUATABS have low toxicity, as ever with these matters you should always seek medical advice at your earliest opportunity.
Is boiling water ok before treating it with AQUATABS?
Bringing water to a rolling boil will kill most micro-organisms and make it safe to drink without AQUATABS – and adding AQUATABS after boiling water will not reduce its effectiveness. However, AQUATABS prevents the task and hassle of boiling water and is a reliable alternative purification source when a heat source is unavailable. In addition, the fuel needed to bring water to a boil may cost more than AQUATABS. A point to remember is unlike water treated with AQUATABS, cooled boiled water has no residual disinfectant and can be easily recontaminated
Do AQUATABS color the water or leave a taste?
No, unlike other water purification treatments such as Iodine or Chlorine Dioxide, AQUATABS will not color the water or leave an unpalatable taste. NaDCC works very differently from traditional chlorine, and as such, it is very difficult to taste any chlorine taste. In fact, there is usually less of a chlorine taste in water treated with AQUATABS than there is in any municipal tap water.
Are AQUATABS made to a certain level of quality?
AQUATABS are produced to pharmaceutical standards by an ISO 9001/2000 quality-assured company.
Are AQUATABS safe to handle?
Yes, AQUATABS are safe to handle and unlike other water purification treatments such as Iodine or Chlorine Dioxide, do not require gloves or protective eyewear to use. In fact, you can safely dissolve an AQUATABS tablet right in the palm of your hand.
What precautions are recommended when using AQUATABS?
The following general precautions are recommended when using AQUATABS: Keep out of reach of children. Do not swallow tablets. If tablets are swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show outside packaging. Wash after handling is recommended. Do not mix with other products. Store in a cool, dry place. Read product leaflet for important information before first use.
Can AQUATABS be used in cloudy or extremely dirty water with high levels of organic matter and turbidity?
The more sediment and/or organic matter within the water to be treated, the more chances that bacteria, viruses and cysts will be able to “hide” from the chlorine disinfectant. As excessive amounts of disinfectant react with the sediment and/or organic matter, there may not be enough disinfectant to inactivate important contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. All water to be treated with AQUATABS should be clear of turbidity and color or staining. Generally, filtering suspect water through a t-shirt or coffee filter is more than sufficient.
Can AQUATABS be used on a long-term basis?
Yes, AQUATABS produce safe levels of free available chlorine suitable for long term use.
Can AQUATABS be used to wash and/or disinfect fruits and vegetables?
Yes, AQUATABS can be used to make water safe for WASHING fruits, vegetables, spinach and other produce. When the desire is to DISINFECT fruits, vegetables, spinach and other produce, a higher dose is required.
Are AQUATABS effective against the cysts Giardia and Cryptosporidium?
AQUATABS are effective against Giardia when used as directed but have not been proven effective against Cryptosporidium when this cyst is in the oocyst stage of its life cycle. Cryptosporidium is however not considered to be a common cyst. If Cryptosporidium is suspected, boil the water for 1 to 3 minutes depending on elevation or filter to a level of 1 micron absolute and then treat with AQUATABS to inactivate remaining bacteria and viruses that filtration does not generally remove.