Potable Aqua Water Purification Germicidal Tablets

Dissolving Potable Aqua tablets in water releases iodine from the TGHP compound. Two forms of iodine are released when Potable Aqua tablets are added to water, free iodine (I2) and hypoiodous acid (HIO). Both I2 and HIO are effective germicidal compounds that work by penetrating the cell wall of a microorganism, thereby rendering it inactive. 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. This mixture provides adequate disinfection of most waters.

In accordance with the product labeling, two (2) Potable Aqua tablets are required to treat 1 quart (1 liter) of water.

Although the exact time required for Potable Aqua to inactivate target microorganisms may vary slightly depending upon conditions such as water temperature and level of contamination in the water, the product labeling calls for a 30-minute waiting period before drinking water treated with Potable Aqua® tablets. This 30-minute wait period ensures adequate time for Potable Aqua to inactivate target organisms and make water bacteriologically suitable for drinking.

No, you should not deviate from the directions in the Potable Aqua labeling. Because microorganisms on the lip of your container or in the container lid can recontaminate treated water, it is necessary that they too be disinfected. To do so, loosely cap your water container after addition of the Potable Aqua tablets in accordance with the product labeling. Wait five minutes then shake the container briskly so that a small amount of solution seeps out to rinse the screw threads. This will help to disinfect the container lid as well as the lip of the container to prevent any possible recontamination of the water being treated. Tighten the cap and wait 30 minutes before drinking.

No, Potable Aqua is an EPA registered product that does not require an EXP date. The shelf life of Potable Aqua is dependent on storage conditions. Product should be stored in a cool, dry place, in adherence with the label’s storage guidelines to maximize product shelf life. When reviewing your product, as a general rule tablets that are grayish/brown in color are good and tablets that are yellowish/green should be replaced. The product is sensitive to moisture and humidity, so bottles that have been opened should be replaced for the next season or if yellowish/green in color.

The number printed on the side of each bottle is the manufacturer’s lot code, not an expiration date. The lot code can be used to identify the date of manufacture of that bottle of PA. The lot code is comprised of month, year, and batch number, such as 51507. This bottle was made in May (5) of 2015 (15), and was the 7th (07) batch.

The lot number is a five or six digit number, for example: 4 03 27. The first digit(s) represent the month of manufacture, the next two digits represent a two-digit year and the last digits represent a batch number for that month and year. Using the example above, the product was manufactured the 4th month of the year 2003 and was the 27th batch of product made.

Check the Potable Aqua tablets appearance to assess any potential issues related to product quality or effectiveness. If the tablets are gray or dark brown in color, there is no indication their effectiveness may be compromised. However, if the tablets are light green or yellow, they are probably no longer effective. Potable Aqua tablets are very sensitive to moisture. Take care that moisture does not get inside the Potable Aqua bottle.

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, 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.

No, Potable Aqua does not neutralize or remove chemical contaminants, nor does it eliminate particulates from water. Potable Aqua may be used in conjunction with a water filter. It is effective against bacteria and giardia lamblia. Potable Aqua is not effective against cryptosporidium cysts.

While iodine may impart a “taste” to the water, this is easily removed by adding PA Plus after the 30-minute disinfection period. PA Plus rapidly and effectively takes away the taste and odor of iodine as explained more fully below. (See Potable Aqua with PA Plus)

No, repackaging Potable Aqua tablets is not recommended. Potable Aqua tablets are manufactured under highly controlled temperature and humidity conditions that minimize exposure to the atmosphere. The tablets are very hygroscopic (i.e. have the ability to attract moisture), which causes them to degrade quickly if exposed to moisture or high humidity.

Potable Aqua is manufactured to strict specifications and is tested to assure it meets those requirements throughout the manufacturing and packaging process. Even the wadding inside the bottle (which prevents the tablets from getting crushed or crumbling) is a special moisture resistant material.

Once a tablet is handled or is outside of its original container, its effectiveness can no longer be assured. To ensure optimal shelf life and effectiveness, storage in original container is recommended with cap tightly sealed.

No, Potable Aqua is not meant to be ingested or taken whole without being diluted in water. Potable Aqua is only to be used in accordance with the label directions. Using this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling is a violation of federal law.

Potable Aqua is intended only for the emergency disinfection of water and should not be used in any other way.

Iodine, in the concentration released by Potable Aqua, has been found to kill the following organisms:

• Escherichia coli
• Vibrio cholerae
• Salmonella typhosa
• Salmonella typhimurium
• Salmonella paratyphi
• Shigella dysenteriae
• Shigella flexneri
  Shigella sonnei
• Aerobacter aerogenes
• Klebsiella terrigena
• Streptococcus faecalis
• Leptospira icterohaemmorrhagiae
• Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery)
• Giardia lamblia (Giardiasis)
• Schistosome cercariae (aka Bilharzia)