Water Purification Methods

Do water purification tablets expire? The truth is YES, most water purification tablets expire. Water purifying tablets like Chlorine and Iodine will expire after 3-5 years if not used. However, once opened, they can expire after an year especially if they're not properly stored. Water purification is commonly done using two major chemical options; iodine or chlorine and all the options come with an expiry date. These chemicals neutralize viruses, bacteria, and other parasitic protozoans in water leaving them harmless and the water safe for human consumption. However, the tablets can be ineffective if not kept under controlled temperatures. Related: are water purification tablets safe? Details: Do Water Purification Tablets Expire? Always follow the guidelines on the water purification bottles. Remember that most of the tablets come with an expiry date and are less effective once you reach the expiry date. Furthermore, once you open the purification tablet bottle, it is advisable you use it within a year. However, if you feel unsure of your water purification tablets and their expiry date replace them as soon as possible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrxrELF0AQc How to Avoid Quick Expiration of Water Purification Tablets Note that chemical purification techniques are highly dependent on water temperatures for them to be effective. Therefore, when treating your water check its temperature and directions provided at the back of the bottle. To prevent quick expiration of the water purification tablets always keep them in dry, cool environments away from excess heat, moisture, humidity, or air. For example, Aquatabs expire after 5 years, but they must remain in their original packaging and place in a cool, dry environment. Most water purification tablets are sealed separately (each in its own compartment), hence don’t worry about them expiring after removing the packaging. When using any water purification tablets always check the expiry date. How to Maintain the Effectiveness of Water Purification Tablets Sealed Potable Aqua tablets should be maintained under favorable temperatures of 15 to 30 °C (60 and 86 °F). These conditions will allow the product to remain effective up to the expiration date. Keep the tablet in a cool, dry place away from heat or moisture to maintain its effectiveness. Ensure you seal the cap tightly and once you open the bottle it should not be used for more than a year. On the other hand, Iodine has an average shelf life of 6 years while IOSAT 130 mg tablet expiries after 7 years. What Causes The Tablets To Expire? Sunlight, temperature, or moisture increases the degradation process of water purification tablets. Thus, manufacturers use brown glass bottles or foils to package these tablets. Hence, the users advised to store them in favorable conditions. Exposing these tablets to extreme heat, moisture, humidity, or air will greatly reduce their effectiveness. As such, replace opened bottles or packets as soon as possible, probably within a year. Always remember that water purification tablets can expire quickly if left under undesirable conditions. Always ensure you adhere to the storage guidelines on the label to maximize the shelf life of the tablets. How to Check for Expiration of Water Tablets Before using tablets like Potable Aqua check their color. Those that are yellowish or green must be replaced immediately. Those that are grayish or brown are good for use. Aqua Mira tablets on the other hand expire after 5 years from the production date. Hence, replace them after they expire. Check the date at the backside of each Aquamira tablet foil wrap and confirm whether they are safe to use. Once you open the Aqua Mira tablet, you should store it properly (away from excess sunlight, humidity, or moisture). These conditions allow the product to stay effective for the next use. Does Water Expire? If you’ve been buying bottled water, then you must have noticed the expiration date written on it. Most countries encourage water companies to include an expiration date on the bottles. As a result, most people wonder whether the water is safe for consumption after the expiration date. So, does water expire? No, Water doesn’t expire. You just need to store it properly and keep it sealed. You can keep tap water in a well-covered barrel or container for about 6 months. However, you might notice a change in flavor as time passes. Nevertheless, this water is safe to drink, as long as you store it properly. Other than that, water that’s left outside and uncovered can host mosquito larvae and algae can grow in it. Eventually, you may get sick from drinking this water. Dust particles can also get into uncovered stored water inside the house. The good news is that you can purify this water with chemicals like chlorine or iodine or you can filter and boil, A standard rule when it comes to water is that you should always replace tap-stored water every six months. Commercially bottled water can stay a bit longer as long as it’s properly sealed. Why Do Water Bottles Have Expiration Date? Water doesn’t go bad, but the plastic bottle that carries the water will expire. The expired plastic can leach chemicals into the water. Although the water won’t become expired or toxic, the overall taste will be undesirable. Water is consumable; therefore, it’s a law requiring that all consumable products should have expiration dates. The expiration date is also beneficial for water bottling companies. In case of complaints about awful water tastes, the company can always refer to the expiration date on the bottles to explain the issues raised. Therefore, if you stumble upon a water bottle that has passed the expiration date, know that’s safe. However, it might not be fresh or tasteful anymore. Conclusion In conclusion, water purification tablets can expire. Therefore, check your tablets periodically. You can decide to check at the beginning of each year and review their expiry date. Discard and replace expired tablets to avoid using ineffective purification products.

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