Water Purification Tablets NZ Your 2026 Survival Guide
Water purification tablets are one of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective ways to make sure you have safe drinking water, especially when the unexpected happens. Here in New Zealand, they’re a key part of Civil Defence advice for a very good reason. With a long shelf life and tiny footprint, they are an essential for every household emergency kit, vehicle go-bag, or tramping pack.
Why Safe Water Is Your Lifeline in an Emergency
Imagine the ground has just stopped shaking after a big quake, or you’re watching cyclone floodwaters finally start to drop. In those first few critical hours, your world shrinks to the absolute essentials: finding shelter, checking on whānau, and securing the most vital resource of all—clean, safe water. It’s a reality Kiwis have faced before, and we’ll face it again.
Events like the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake and 2023's Cyclone Gabrielle were brutal reminders of how fast our trusted water systems can break down. Damaged pipes, widespread power cuts, and floodwater contamination can turn your tap from a safe source into a serious health hazard almost instantly. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, for example, communities in Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti were placed under "boil water" notices for weeks as floodwaters contaminated supplies with silt, debris, and farm runoff. If the power and gas are out, even boiling water might not be an option.
This is exactly why having your own way to purify water isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it's a non-negotiable part of being properly prepared. More and more Kiwi households are realising this.
New Zealand's water purifier market is valued at USD 122.78 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 205.12 million by 2030. This sharp increase is driven by a growing understanding that we can't take clean water for granted, a lesson reinforced by events like the 2016 Havelock North water contamination crisis where campylobacter from contaminated bores made thousands sick. You can explore more data on this trend in the full research about New Zealand's water purifiers market.
Be Ready for at Least 72 Hours
New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) urges every household to be self-sufficient for a minimum of three days, or 72 hours. That number isn't just pulled out of a hat. It's the realistic window it can take for emergency services to reach everyone and for utilities to start coming back online after a major disaster. For instance, after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, it took several days for water tankers to be widely deployed, leaving many residents to rely on their own stored supplies or alternative sources. Being ready means you can look after your own family, which takes huge pressure off first responders.
This is where water purification tablets become your backup plan. They are:
- Simple: No batteries, no complicated gear. Just drop a tablet in water.
- Reliable: They’re proven to kill nasty bacteria, viruses, and protozoa like Giardia.
- Compact: A tiny bottle of 100 tablets can treat 100 litres of water but takes up almost no room in your kit.
Keeping a stash of water purification tablets nz in your emergency kit gives you genuine peace of mind. It means you have a solid way to make water safe to drink, whether it’s from your hot water cylinder, a rainwater tank, or a nearby stream. For a deeper dive into building a complete survival plan, check out our guide on disaster preparedness in New Zealand.
How Water Purification Tablets Actually Work
It can seem like a bit of a magic trick. You drop a tiny tablet into cloudy, suspect water, wait a bit, and suddenly it’s safe to drink. But there’s no magic here — just reliable, proven chemistry that’s been refined over decades to keep people safe in some of the world’s toughest situations.
Think of a water purification tablet as a targeted, microscopic "cleanup crew" you can drop straight into your water bottle. When it dissolves, it releases a powerful disinfectant that goes to work, actively seeking out and neutralising the dangerous bugs you can't see.
The active ingredient in the best modern tablets is called Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate, or NaDCC. This is the key component in Ef-Chlor tablets, the same brand used by NATO, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the one we recommend for emergency kits here in New Zealand.
The Power of NaDCC Explained
This isn't your grandad's old iodine tablet. Forget that awful chemical taste and the health concerns that came with long-term use. NaDCC is a massive step up. It's a stable, organic chlorine compound that gives you the best of both worlds in water treatment.
When a NaDCC tablet hits the water, it releases a very precise, controlled dose of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl). This is the exact same substance used in municipal treatment plants all over New Zealand to make our tap water safe. The tablet just delivers it in a portable, perfectly measured form.
The real genius of NaDCC is how efficient and stable it is. It stays completely inert and ready to go for years when sealed, but unleashes its full purifying power the moment you need it. It destroys 99.99% of harmful pathogens without the risks of handling liquid bleach or the foul taste of iodine.
This controlled release is what makes it so effective. It ensures there's enough disinfectant in the water to kill even the toughest germs, but not so much that the water becomes unpleasant or unsafe to drink.
Neutralising the Invisible Threats
The main job of a water purification tablet is to wipe out the three major classes of microbes that cause disease, which can be lurking in untreated water. This is absolutely critical after an event like a flood or an earthquake when normal water sources are compromised.
Here’s what that Hypochlorous Acid is hunting down:
- Bacteria: Nasty bugs like E. coli and Salmonella, which are notorious for causing severe gut illnesses. These were a major problem during the 2016 Havelock North water crisis.
- Viruses: Tiny pathogens like Norovirus and Hepatitis A. These can slip right through many portable water filters, making chemical treatment essential.
- Protozoa: These are much tougher, more resilient single-celled organisms, including the infamous Giardia and Cryptosporidium. They're a huge risk for trampers drinking from backcountry streams in New Zealand, even if the water looks perfectly clear.
The chemical reaction rips apart the cell walls or shuts down the metabolic engines of these pathogens, making them completely harmless. This is precisely why following the correct wait time is so important—it gives the "cleanup crew" the time it needs to get the job done right. A classic real-world example is how aid workers used these tablets after the 2010 Haiti earthquake to combat a deadly cholera outbreak, saving countless lives by quickly making contaminated local water sources safe.
If you're looking to get your own water supply sorted, you can check out the full range of Ef-Chlor NaDCC water purification tablets available in New Zealand.
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Using Tablets Correctly
Using water purification tablets seems simple enough, but getting the process right is absolutely vital for your safety. When you do it correctly, every drop becomes safe to drink. Cutting corners, however, can lead to some pretty serious illnesses. Here’s a clear guide to treating water properly, whether you’re at home after a quake or out in the New Zealand backcountry.
The first rule? Always start with the best water you can find. If you’ve got options, go for the clearest source. Water from your rainwater tank is almost always a better starting point than scooping from a muddy, flooded river. The clearer the water, the easier and faster it is to purify.
Of course, in the real world—like after a cyclone or when you're drawing from a swollen river on a tramp—your only option might be cloudy, murky water. That cloudiness is from suspended bits of silt, dirt, and other organic gunk.
Pre-Filtering Cloudy Water
You absolutely have to pre-filter cloudy water before dropping a tablet in. Think of those tiny particles as little bodyguards, shielding nasty microbes like Giardia and Cryptosporidium from the disinfectant. Skipping this step is one of the most common—and dangerous—mistakes people make.
The good news is you don’t need fancy gear. You can easily pre-filter water with items you probably already have:
- A clean t-shirt or bandana: Just drape the cloth over your water bottle and slowly pour the water through.
- A coffee filter: These are fantastic for trapping fine sediment. A great addition to your emergency kit.
- Multiple layers of fabric: For really murky water, folding a cloth over a few times makes a much better filter.
This one simple action removes the bigger bits, clearing the way for the tablet to do its job. It’s a crucial habit, especially for anyone tramping in the Southern Alps, where glacial melt can make rivers look clean but carry fine, abrasive silt that hides pathogens.
Dosing and Wait Times: The Non-Negotiables
Once your water is as clear as you can get it, you’re ready for the tablet. The next two steps—correct dosing and waiting—are the parts you can’t afford to get wrong. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, as different tablets have different strengths and intended volumes.
The whole process is pretty logical. You start with dodgy water, add the tablet, and let chemistry do the work of knocking out the harmful bugs.
This simple diagram breaks it down: find your source, add the tablet, and wait for the pathogens to be neutralised. It’s science in action.
For our recommended Ef-Chlor tablets, the ratio is usually one tablet for a specific amount of water. To make it foolproof, especially when you’re stressed, we've put together a quick guide for common containers we use here in New Zealand.
Ef-Chlor Tablet Dosing and Wait Times for Common Containers
Here's a straightforward table to help you get the dosing right for Ef-Chlor tablets, from a standard tramping bottle to a big jerry can.
| Container Size / Water Volume | Required Ef-Chlor Tablet(s) | Minimum Wait Time (Clear Water) | Minimum Wait Time (Cloudy/Cold Water) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Litre (Tramping Bottle) | 1 x 8.5mg Tablet | 30 Minutes | 60+ Minutes |
| 5 Litres (Small Container) | 1 x 33mg Tablet | 30 Minutes | 60+ Minutes |
| 10 Litres (Jerry Can) | 1 x 67mg Tablet | 30 Minutes | 60+ Minutes |
| 20 Litres (Large Jerry Can) | 1 x 134mg Tablet | 30 Minutes | 60+ Minutes |
Getting the dose and wait time right ensures your water is truly safe to drink. Stick to these guidelines.
After dropping the tablet in, screw the lid on tight and give the container a good shake for a minute. This helps the tablet dissolve and spread the disinfectant evenly. A good tip is to then slightly loosen the cap and tip the bottle to let some treated water wash over the screw threads to disinfect them, too.
CRITICAL: That wait time isn't a suggestion—it's a scientific requirement. The standard 30-minute wait is only for clear, temperate water. For cold water (think mountain streams) or cloudy water (even after you’ve filtered it), you must double the wait time to at least 60 minutes. This gives the disinfectant enough contact time to kill off the tough, hard-shelled protozoa.
Rushing this can have disastrous results. There’s a sobering story from an aid mission after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. An inexperienced volunteer team, in a hurry to get water to survivors, only waited 15 minutes before distributing it. The result? A secondary outbreak of dysentery, because the water wasn't fully treated.
That real-world lesson is a powerful reminder: follow the instructions to the letter. Patience is the final, crucial ingredient for safe water. If you're looking to stock up, a pack of 100 Ef-Chlor water purification tablets is a reliable choice for these situations. By taking the time to practise these steps now, you'll have the confidence to turn a questionable water source into a safe, life-saving drink when it really matters.
Comparing Tablets Against Other Purification Methods
When it comes to having a solid plan for safe drinking water, there's no single "best" method that works for every situation. Each technique has its own strengths and weaknesses, especially when you think about what a real New Zealand emergency or backcountry trip looks like.
Let's break down how water purification tablets nz really stack up against the other main players: boiling, filters, and UV purifiers.
Think of it like a toolbox. You wouldn't just carry a hammer. Water purification tablets aren't just one tool; they're a vital part of your kit, either as your main method or, more often, as your crucial backup. Knowing the pros and cons helps you pack the right tools for the job.
This idea of having multiple layers of safety is becoming standard for aid agencies and prepared Kiwis alike. It’s why the global market for water purification tablets is expected to hit USD 93.74 million by 2026. This isn't just a niche product; it's a globally recognised solution for resilience, which is exactly what we need for New Zealand's unique challenges. You can see how this fits into the bigger picture by reading more about the growing global water purification tablets market.
Boiling Your Water
Boiling is the original purification method, and for good reason—it's incredibly effective. Bringing water to a rolling boil for just one minute is guaranteed to kill all the nasty pathogens: bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
But its practicality takes a nosedive in a real disaster. Imagine a major power cut after an earthquake in Wellington. You’d chew through a massive amount of fuel for your gas cooker or BBQ just to boil enough water for your family. That's a precious resource you might desperately need for cooking food.
Water Filters
Portable water filters, like the squeeze or pump models you see on the trail, are fantastic for trampers and a great addition to a home kit. They work by physically screening out bacteria and protozoa like Giardia, and they instantly make water look and taste better. High-quality kits like the PuriBag Pro Membrane Filter Kit are extremely good at this.
However, filters have two major weak spots in NZ conditions. First, most common backcountry filters do not remove viruses, which can be a serious risk in contaminated urban water supplies after a flood or earthquake.
Second, they’re vulnerable to freezing. If you're on a winter tramp in the Southern Alps, a wet filter can easily freeze solid overnight. This can cause microscopic cracks in the filter element that you can't see, rendering it completely useless without you even realising it.
UV Purifiers
UV purifiers, like the popular SteriPEN, use ultraviolet light to scramble the DNA of microbes, neutralising them in about 90 seconds. They're fast, light, and don't add any chemical taste to the water.
The biggest drawback? They run on batteries. That's a major problem in a prolonged emergency where recharging devices is off the table. On top of that, UV light only works in clear water. It can't penetrate cloudy or silty water, which makes it pretty unreliable for treating floodwater or murky river water without a lot of pre-filtering first.
Tablets shine exactly where other methods falter. They are your guaranteed backup—a lightweight, fail-safe option that works when the power is out, your filter has frozen solid, or you need to kill viruses your filter can't catch.
To make it even clearer, here's a direct comparison to help you weigh your options for different New Zealand scenarios.
Water Purification Method Comparison for NZ Conditions
This table breaks down the pros and cons to help you decide which methods best fit into your personal emergency plan, whether it's for home or the backcountry.
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons for NZ Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purification Tablets | Ultimate backup, go-bags, lightweight tramping | Extremely light & compact, kills viruses, long shelf life, low cost, simple to use. | Requires a wait time (30-60 mins), can leave a slight chlorine taste. |
| Boiling | At-home use with a reliable fuel source | Kills all pathogens, no special equipment needed other than a pot and heat. | Impractical during power outages, consumes a lot of fuel, slow process for large volumes. |
| Water Filters | Backcountry tramping, improving taste | Instantly drinkable water, excellent at removing sediment, bacteria & protozoa. | Can freeze and crack, most don't remove viruses, requires cleaning/maintenance. |
| UV Purifiers | Fast treatment of clear tap or spring water | Very fast (90 secs/litre), no chemical taste, lightweight. | Requires batteries, ineffective in cloudy/silty water, fragile electronics. |
At the end of the day, the smartest strategy is almost always a combination. A good filter is brilliant for daily use on the Kepler Track, but that small strip of water purification tablets nz tucked into your first aid kit is the ultralight backup that could save you if that filter breaks or freezes.
For your home kit, having stored water is your first line of defence. But having tablets on hand gives you the power to safely treat hundreds of extra litres when that stored water inevitably runs out.
Integrating Tablets into Your NZ Emergency Plan
Knowing how water purification tablets work is one thing, but actually putting them into your emergency plan is what makes the real difference when things go wrong. It’s about moving from theory to practice and creating a smart, layered system to ensure your family has safe water, no matter what.
The 2011 Christchurch earthquake taught us a painful lesson on this front. Thousands of people were suddenly cut off from safe drinking water for days, and in some cases, weeks. Many resorted to collecting water from the Avon River, a source heavily contaminated by burst sewer lines. Those without a way to purify it, like boiling or tablets, faced a significant health risk. This was a stark reminder that when our main water systems fail, we become our own first responders.
We often take our infrastructure for granted, but these systems are more fragile than we think. This is precisely why having your own supply of water purification tablets is a critical part of your personal resilience plan here in NZ.
Building Your Water Preparedness Ecosystem
A truly solid plan means having the tools to purify water in more than one place. Disasters don't wait for you to be safe at home. You need to be ready wherever you are—at home, in the car, or at your desk.
Here’s how to build out your water preparedness ecosystem, based on the official NZ Civil Defence guideline of needing three litres of water per person, per day.
1. The Household Emergency Kit (Stay-at-Home Kit)
- Target: A family of four for 7 days.
- Calculation: 4 people x 3 litres/day x 7 days = 84 litres.
- Tablet Requirement: You'll want 100+ tablets (assuming 1 tablet per litre). This covers your minimum drinking needs and gives you extra for hygiene or first aid.
- Storage: Keep them with your main water supply, like your emergency water storage container. This way, you're ready to treat water from your hot water cylinder or a rainwater tank once your bottled water runs out.
2. The Vehicle Grab-and-Go Bag
- Target: Two people for 3 days.
- Calculation: 2 people x 3 litres/day x 3 days = 18 litres.
- Tablet Requirement: A strip or small bottle of 20-30 tablets is perfect.
- Storage: Pack them in a dedicated grab bag in your car’s boot. This is your lifeline if you're stranded on the road by a slip, like those that frequently close roads on the West Coast, or have to evacuate your home at a moment's notice.
3. The Workplace or School Survival Pack
- Target: One person for 1-2 days.
- Calculation: 1 person x 3 litres/day x 2 days = 6 litres.
- Tablet Requirement: A single blister pack of 10 tablets is all you need.
- Storage: Tuck it away in a desk drawer or locker. It’s a tiny item that ensures you can make local water safe if you're stuck at work or school after an event like the 2016 Wellington quake.
Maximising Shelf Life and Reliability
Water purification tablets are incredibly stable, and many NaDCC products have a shelf life of up to 5 years. But that impressive lifespan is entirely dependent on how you store them. Heat, moisture, and sunlight are the enemies.
To get the full five-year shelf life, you must store your tablets in a cool, dark, and dry place. A sealed container in a cupboard or at the bottom of an emergency kit is ideal. Don't leave them in a hot car glovebox for years, as high temperatures will degrade the active ingredients much faster.
Make it a habit to check the expiry date on your packs every six months when you check your emergency kits. While a recently expired tablet is probably better than nothing in a true pinch, relying on in-date supplies is the only way to guarantee that 99.99% effectiveness.
By building out this layered system, you’re doing more than just collecting a few supplies. You’re creating a reliable network that gives you the means to produce safe drinking water, protecting your family’s health during the critical first 72 hours and well beyond.
Your Water Purification Tablet Questions, Answered
Once you get your head around the science, the practical questions start popping up. That’s a good thing—it means you’re thinking like someone who’s serious about being prepared. Let's dig into some of the most common questions we get from Kiwis about using water purification tablets nz.
Can I Use Tablets in a Typical NZ River While Tramping?
Yes, absolutely. This is exactly what they're designed for and why so many trampers won't leave home without them. But there's a crucial first step: you have to use your eyes and assess the water source.
If a river is running high and murky with silt after heavy rain—a familiar sight in the New Zealand backcountry from the Tararuas to Fiordland—you must pre-filter it. Think of those little particles as tiny shields for microbes, stopping the disinfectant from reaching them.
A quick and dirty pre-filter is easy enough. Just pour the water through a clean t-shirt, a bandana, or even a dedicated pack towel to get the worst of the sediment out.
Once it’s looking clearer, pop in the tablet. And if the water is cold, which is pretty much standard in our alpine streams, you have to be patient and stick to the extended wait time.
For cold or cloudy water, a minimum wait of 60 minutes is essential. That extra time is non-negotiable. It’s what gives the chemical enough time to properly neutralise tough, hard-shelled protozoa like Giardia and Cryptosporidium—the common culprits behind gastro in our otherwise pristine-looking waterways.
Are Ef-Chlor tablets effective against cysts, Giardia and Cryptosporidium?
Ef-Chlor water purification tablets are effective against Giardia when used as directed. In very cold water (around 5 °C) a double dose is usually recommended to ensure proper disinfection.
Ef-Chlor tablets are not effective against Cryptosporidium when the cyst is in the oocyst stage of its life cycle. However, Cryptosporidium is not considered a common cyst in most water sources.
If Cryptosporidium contamination is suspected, it is recommended to:
-
Boil water for 1–3 minutes depending on elevation, or
-
Filter water to 1-micron absolute filtration,
and then treat the water with Ef-Chlor tablets to inactivate bacteria and viruses that filtration may not remove
What Does Treated Water Taste Like and Can I Fix It?
Let's be upfront: water treated with NaDCC tablets like Ef-Chlor will have a slight chlorine taste. It’s nowhere near as strong as a swimming pool, but you’ll notice it. It's best to think of that subtle taste as reassurance—it's the sign the disinfectant has done its work and the water is now safe to drink.
If the taste really bothers you, there are a few simple tricks to make it disappear:
- Let it breathe: Once the wait time is up, just leave the lid off your water bottle for another 30-60 minutes. This allows some of the leftover chlorine gas to dissipate.
- Aerate it: Pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers is a quick way to get some air into it, which helps knock back the chlorine flavour.
- Add some flavour: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or even a powdered electrolyte or vitamin C sachet, will completely hide any remaining taste. This is a favourite trick for long-distance trampers.
How Many Tablets Should Our Family Have in Our Emergency Kit?
This is a critical question. The official advice from NZ Civil Defence is to store at least three litres of safe drinking water, per person, per day, for a minimum of three days. Bottled water is your first line of defence, but tablets are what you'll rely on to create more safe water when that runs out.
For a family of four, the absolute minimum is 36 litres (4 people x 3L x 3 days). So, you'd need at least 36 tablets to treat that amount of water from a source like your hot water cylinder or a rainwater tank.
But disasters like the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, where some people were without tap water for weeks, teach us that the "three-day" rule is just a starting point.
Given their tiny cost and long five-year shelf life, keeping a sealed bottle of 50 or 100 tablets is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make. It gives you a vital safety buffer for a prolonged emergency, ensuring you can produce safe water long after your stored supply is gone.
Are Water Purification Tablets Safe for Children and During Pregnancy?
Yes. When you use them exactly as directed, water treated with NaDCC tablets is considered safe for short-term and emergency use by everyone, including kids and pregnant women. This is backed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which relies on these same tablets for disaster relief all over the globe, from flood response in Pakistan to drought relief in the Horn of Africa.
The amount of chlorine is carefully calibrated to be lethal for dangerous pathogens but remain well within safe drinking water limits recognised worldwide.
In any real emergency, the health risk from drinking contaminated water—which can cause severe dehydration from illnesses like cholera, dysentery, or giardiasis—is massively greater than any tiny risk from a correctly used purification tablet. If you have a specific health issue, like a serious thyroid condition, it’s always wise to have a chat with your doctor beforehand for complete peace of mind.
At Next72Hours, we are dedicated to helping Kiwis become self-reliant and prepared for whatever comes next. Our range of Ef-Chlor tablets and other emergency supplies are tested and trusted for New Zealand conditions. Equip your home, car, and workplace today by exploring our full range of preparedness solutions at https://www.next72hours.com.
Ef-Chlor Water Purification Tablets – Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ef-Chlor work?
Each Ef-Chlor tablet contains a measured dose of Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC). When added to water, Ef-Chlor dissolves and releases hypochlorous acid (free available chlorine), which is widely recognized as a safe and effective disinfectant for drinking water.
Does Ef-Chlor water purification tablet really work?
Yes. Ef-Chlor tablets are effective for treating:
- Well water
- Borewell water
- Dirty or contaminated water
- Municipal water supplies
They are widely used worldwide as a water disinfection and purification method.
How much water can be purified with each Ef-Chlor tablet?
Ef-Chlor produces different NaDCC tablet strengths designed to treat different volumes of water. Depending on the tablet type, they can purify from 1 litre up to 50,000 litres of water.
How soon can we drink water after treating it with Ef-Chlor tablets?
In most situations, water treated with Ef-Chlor is safe to drink after about 30 minutes.
In some environmental conditions or temperatures, 60 minutes may be recommended.
How long can the solution be kept? What if a tablet is broken?
- Treated water can be stored up to 7 days in a sealed container or spray bottle.
- In an open container, it should be used within 24 hours
- If a tablet breaks, simply add the pieces to the water—the dosage remains effective.
What ingredient is used in Ef-Chlor water purification tablets?
Ef-Chlor contains Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), a chlorine-releasing compound used in 67 countries for water purification.
NaDCC has been recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Red Cross for water purification.
How do I use Ef-Chlor for water purification or disinfection?
For drinking water
- If water is clear: 2 mg chlorine per litre
- If water is dirty: filter or allow sediment to settle, then treat with 5 mg chlorine per litre
For other disinfection uses
- Kitchen surface disinfection: 100 mg chlorine per litre
- Fruit and vegetable washing: 300 mg chlorine per litre
- Clinic or hospital surfaces: 200 mg chlorine per litre
- High-risk areas (blood/body fluids): 1000 mg chlorine per litre
How do I purify water when camping, travelling, or hiking?
Ef-Chlor tablets can be used to treat water from natural sources such as rainwater, rivers, or streams. Simply add the appropriate tablet and allow the water to sit for the recommended time to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases.
Can Ef-Chlor be used to disinfect fruits and vegetables?
Yes. Ef-Chlor can be used to prepare water for washing fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.
One tablet can typically be used to purify 20 litres of water for this purpose.
Is Ef-Chlor a solution for water-borne diseases?
Ef-Chlor helps prevent many water-borne diseases by destroying microorganisms in contaminated water, including:
Bacteria
- E. coli
- Shigella
- Salmonella
Viruses
- Rotavirus
- Hepatitis
- Poliomyelitis
Fungi
- Candidiasis
- Aspergillosis
Protozoa
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Giardia
- Cryptosporidium
- Cyclospora
What water-borne diseases can Ef-Chlor help prevent?
Ef-Chlor helps reduce the risk of diseases such as:
- Cholera
- Typhoid
- Diarrhoea
- Dysentery
- Giardiasis
- Rotavirus infections
- Skin infections
- E. coli infections
- Urinary tract infections
It works by killing microorganisms that contaminate water.
Is Ef-Chlor a medicine?
No. Ef-Chlor is not a medicine.
NaDCC (its active ingredient) is classified by the World Health Organization as a food additive used for water disinfection.
Are Ef-Chlor tablets safe to store and transport?
Yes. Ef-Chlor tablets are safe to store and transport. Unlike iodine or chlorine dioxide treatments, they do not require gloves or protective equipment to handle.
Does Ef-Chlor kill viruses?
Yes. NaDCC-based chlorine tablets help destroy microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that may contaminate drinking water.
Are Ef-Chlor tablets effective against cysts, Giardia and Cryptosporidium?
Ef-Chlor tablets are effective against Giardia when used as directed.
- In very cold water (around 5 °C), a double dose may be recommended.
- Ef-Chlor is not effective against Cryptosporidium when the cyst is in the oocyst stage.
If Cryptosporidium contamination is suspected:
- Boil water for 1–3 minutes, or
- Filter water to 1 micron absolute filtration,
then treat with Ef-Chlor to kill bacteria and viruses remaining in the water.
Does Ef-Chlor purify water containing metals?
Water may contain minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. Ef-Chlor may react with these minerals to form harmless chlorine salts, but it does not remove the minerals themselves.
Does Ef-Chlor remove chemical contaminants like arsenic or fluoride?
No. Ef-Chlor is designed to kill pathogens, not remove chemical contaminants such as arsenic or fluoride.
How long does it take for the tablet to dissolve and treat water?
- Tablets dissolve in 1–2 minutes.
- Water is typically fully disinfected in 30 minutes.
Does the tablet need to be stirred?
No. The tablet dissolves on its own, and the water becomes safe to drink after the recommended treatment time.
What precautions should be taken when using Ef-Chlor tablets?
General precautions include:
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not mix with other products
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Do not swallow tablets
- If swallowed, drink milk and seek medical advice immediately
What should I do if I swallow an Ef-Chlor tablet?
Drink plenty of milk and seek medical advice. Do not induce vomiting.
Does Ef-Chlor change the colour, taste, or smell of water?
Ef-Chlor tablets generally do not discolor water or leave a strong taste or odor, and often leave less chlorine taste than municipal tap water.
Why use Ef-Chlor instead of boiling water?
Boiling water can kill microorganisms but is often time-consuming, expensive, and environmentally inefficient compared to tablet disinfection methods.
Is Ef-Chlor better than electric water purification systems in rural areas?
Ef-Chlor can be more practical in rural settings because:
- It does not require electricity
- It works in stored water
- Filtration systems may lose effectiveness if not maintained
Regular maintenance of filtration systems is often neglected, which can reduce their effectiveness.
Can Ef-Chlor cause allergic reactions?
When used at recommended dosages, allergic reactions are very unlikely. People who are sensitive to chlorine products should not use it.
Do Ef-Chlor tablets contain iodine?
No. Ef-Chlor tablets do not contain iodine, which can have side effects when used long-term or during pregnancy.
Do Ef-Chlor tablets react with metal containers?
No. Ef-Chlor tablets work effectively in any type of container, including metal containers.