Aquamira Water Treatment
| Page Type | Gear Review |
|---|---|
| Object Title | Aquamira Water Treatment |
| Manufacturer | McNett Corp. |
| Page By | Alan Ellis |
| Page Type | Dec 2, 2002 / Jan 20, 2007 |
| Object ID | 570 |
| Hits | 11382 |
| Vote |
Aquamira® Water Treatment drops treat drinking water using chlorine dioxide, a well established disinfectant which is iodine and chlorine free. The small size, portability and long shelf life of the kit represents a breakthrough in technology allowing this highly effective treatment method to be carried and used by individuals around the globe.
The unique formula works by releasing nascent oxygen, a highly active form of oxygen, which is a strong oxidant and a powerful germicidal agent. Chlorine dioxide has been used by municipal water treatment plants to kill a variety of waterborne pathogens since the late 1940s. Unlike free chlorine (familiar as household bleach) or other halogen chemicals (such as iodine), chlorine dioxide does not create potentially harmful by-products.
Aquamira’s key benefits are clearly evident when compared to the other common portable water treatment chemical: iodine. Most importantly, chlorine dioxide is a significantly stronger oxidant than iodine, with greater pathogen killing power. Unlike iodine, chlorine dioxide does not discolor water, nor does it give water an unpleasant taste. In fact, chlorine dioxide is often used to improve the taste of water by neutralizing unpleasant flavors.
Aquamira is also very useful as a preservative for stored drinking water (as with water stored for earthquake or other disaster preparedness - see FAQ for details).
Currently, chlorine dioxide is used in hundreds of cities across the globe and has proven over the decades to be safe and highly effective. McNett is proud to offer this valuable technological breakthrough to consumers worldwide.
USES
• Treats wilderness stream and lake water
• Treats tap water in foreign countries
• Treats water in storage tanks on recreational vehicles and boats
• Treats drinking water cisterns on farms and remote sites
CHARACTERISTICS
The kit has a shelf life of four years even if opened and used during that period. Slightly aromatic. Use between 32 F and 100 F. Treats up to 30 gallons.
EASY TO USE:
Mix seven (7) drops of Part A and seven (7) drops of Part B into the mixing cup/cap. Wait five minutes then pour into one quart of water. Shake or stir water. Wait 30 minutes before drinking.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
McNett Corporation, 1411 Meador Ave., Bellingham WA 98229-5845 USA
Phone: (360) 671-2227 Fax: (360) 671-4521 Email: sales@mcnett.com
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Reviews
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Dean - Dec 3, 2002 10:24 am - Voted 4/5
Untitled Review
I carry this along with me since it is very light but I carry it as a back up to my Pur Pioneer filter (which is no longer made). I still prefer the filter (think security blanket mentality here) as with the Pioneer, my set up and filter and take apart time is generally just a ten minute bump in the road. I often will camel up and drink a whole quart at the time of filtering whereas with the Aqua Mira, I don't always want to wait 30 minutes. However, if my filter breaks down, then out comes the Aquamira to save the day. Anyway, a great new product that is helping to lighten our loads. When I run out of Pioneer filters, I will probably go exclusively to the Aquamira.
cruzit - Dec 23, 2002 8:27 am - Voted 5/5
Untitled Review
I have to tell you, I was skeptical when my husband first suggested this product. I had some real concerns about the effectiveness of a chemical versus a filter. Boy...have I been proven wrong. We've been using Aqua Mira for a couple of years now without any problems. One of the things I appreciate most about this product is that it removes any lingering bad odors and taste (anyone who says this is not a factor has never had to drink filtered pond scum). I'll never use anything else.
b. - Sep 30, 2003 11:37 am - Voted 5/5
Untitled Review
The holy grail of water purification. I have used (and carried) several water filters for miles, and now they help fill my gear room. I used a version called Pristine (from overseas, I think), with a 15 minute wait time, no bad taste or yellow water bladders. I do know someone who got giardia by treating water in his camelback with this stuff, so I suggest treating in a water bottle and transterring to a hydration bag.
KathyW - Jan 10, 2005 8:40 pm - Voted 5/5
Untitled Review
Last year I stopped carrying a filter and started using Aqua Mira to purify my drinking water. It works great and I have no plans on going back to the filter.
Dustiano - Jan 26, 2007 10:30 pm - Voted 3/5
Back and forth
I often go back and forth with water purification methods. I have tried everything from tablets to pumps to drops to lights. Most recently I went the route of the Aquamira drop system. I suppose there are worse methods for creating safe water, but I found the mixing and waiting a bit tedious, and the taste almost unbearable. The more suspect the original water source, the more drops you use, the worse the taste. I found myself using less solution so that the water was drinkable, negating the whole purification process all together. I will stick to the pump system until something better comes along...
Vic Hanson - Jun 8, 2007 12:11 am - Voted 5/5
Great Product
I, along with many others, used Aquamira on much of my PCT hike. I did not carry a filter, I used Aquamira anytime the water was especially suspect (ponds, lakes & rivers), other times (snow melt streams) I used Micropure or no treatment, and no treatment for springs. I also use it in Peru, along with Micropure. Current directions say to wait 15 minutes, unless the water is very cold, cloudy or tinted.
tarol - Sep 29, 2008 1:27 am - Hasn't voted
switched from a filter this year
I worked to cut down on some pack weight this year and have switched to Aqua Mira. I was introduced to it in 2006 while on a LNT Master Educator course in Yosemite. I've used it twice now on backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevada with no problems.
liferequiresair - Feb 2, 2009 2:20 am - Voted 5/5
Pure Magic
I haven't used a filter for a few years now. Aquamira is light, easy to use, and totally effective. I got hooked on it during a NOLS semester and have been using it since. The lack of chemical taste is a huge plus. I've purified water you couldn't see through and have never had a problem. I would say to make sure to purify the threads of your water bottle because contaminated water can hide there after you fill in a stream.
JHH60 - Dec 12, 2009 1:36 pm - Hasn't voted
Works well, but...
Be careful to screw the top tightly on the chlorine solution (part A). I drove up to 9000' from sea level with the top slightly loose and it leaked out in my trunk - the stuff is essentially bleach, and not friendly to your skin or gear. Luckily it didn't get onto any of my climbing rack; not sure I'd trust slings that had been exposed to bleach.
andrew david - Aug 10, 2013 4:25 am - Voted 5/5
New and Improved
The bottles I have found are leak prone. There is a sportsman's version with a little measure cup and dropper bottles, but you pay much more for it. Better idea is to wash out a pair of cheap eye dropper bottles that hold 0.05L, mark each so you know Part A from Part B, then take a medicine cap from children's cough syrup or any other similar cheap plastic cap. Now you have 15 gallons of water treatment that will fit in the pocket. And no leaks. Kills viruses, less scent/flavor than Iodine, and stronger and faster. Other than a spill, nothing can go wrong with it. Not much more tedious than any of the filters out there.
Viewing: 1-11 of 11 |
Alan Ellis - Dec 2, 2002 7:03 pm - Voted 5/5
Untitled Review