Survival Water Purification Tablets

Potable Aqua® Drinking Water Germicidal Purification Tablets are intended for emergency disinfection of drinking water. When used as directed, they make most water bacteriological suitable for drinking.

Used worldwide by campers, hikers, militaries, emergency organizations and anyone needing to drink water of questionable quality. These germicidal tablets are for use only when drinking water is suspected or known to be bacteriologically substandard. Not to be used on a continuous basis.

Purification Tablets

Potable Aqua® Drinking Water Germicidal Tablets make water bacteriologically suitable for drinking. They contain iodine in a proprietary compound called TGHP. Each tablet contains 20 milligrams of TGHP, which liberates 8 milligrams (ppm) of titratable iodine. As indicated by label directions, the recommended dosage of Potable Aqua is two tablets in one liter or quart of water. When the tablet dissolves in water, it releases both free iodine and hypoiodous acid. Both are effective germicidal compounds. Potable Aqua tablets also contain a buffering agent that brings the pH of the water to a slightly acidic level to optimize the disinfecting properties of the iodine.

How do I use Potable Aqua®?

Potable Aqua tablets are dissolved in water to form a solution for consumption. Add two tablets to one quart or liter of water. Cap loosely to allow slight leakage and wait five minutes. Shake the container briskly so that a small amount of water seeps out to rinse the screw threads. This will help to disinfect the lip of the container, which may have come into contact with untreated water. Tighten the cap and wait 30 minutes before drinking.

How does Potable Aqua® work?

Each Potable Aqua tablet contains 20 milligrams of TGHP, which liberates 8 milligrams (ppm) of titratable iodine. Dissolving Potable Aqua tablets in water releases the iodine bound in the TGHP molecule.

When dissolved, both diatomic iodine (I2) and HIO are released. Because the tablets contain a buffer, the treated water is maintained at acidic conditions with an approximate pH level of 5.5. Diatomic iodine is more abundant than hypoiodous acid. This mixture provides adequate disinfection of most waters.

Chemical reaction rates, and consequently germicidal effects, are subject to variables such as water temperature and level of contamination in the water. For this reason, two tablets of Potable Aqua and a 30-minute waiting period are required before drinking the water. The iodine works by penetrating the cell wall of the microorganism, therefore rendering it inactive.

What are the advantages of using Potable Aqua® Tablets?

Potable Aqua has long been considered one of the best germicidal tablets for drinking water on the market. Potable Aqua was developed by the U.S. Military during World War II and is still used by the military today. The Australian Military and The Boy Scouts of America also use it, along with various relief organizations, mission groups and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the world.

Potable Aqua provides an accurate dose, and is effective over extreme conditions such as cloudy water, low temperatures, and extreme pH. It is simple to use, foolproof, and time-efficient. It does not require mixing two parts together, or a waiting period for it to activate before it can be used. Usage is time efficient, and the water is ready to drink in 30 minutes. It does not neutralize or remove chemical contaminants or remove particulate. Potable Aqua may be used in conjunction with a water filter. It is effective against bacteria, viruses, and many cysts such as giardia lamblia. Potable Aqua is not effective against cryptosporidium cysts.

How long may I use Potable Aqua®?

Potable Aqua tablets are to be used as a short-term, emergency treatment for disinfecting drinking water. Potable Aqua should not be used on a long-term, continuous basis.

According to label directions, the recommended dosage of Potable Aqua is two tablets in one liter or quart of water. This dosage is equivalent to 16 ppm of elemental iodine in the water. Since this product is intended for use in emergency situations, extended daily use should be kept to a limited basis and not exceed six weeks.