WaterGuard Tablets – 10’s

Details

WaterGUARD tablets are used for the disinfection of drinking water, particularly when the source is uncertain (e.g., borehole, river, or storage tank) or when contamination is suspected. The active ingredient, NaDCC, rapidly releases chlorine into the water, neutralizing harmful microorganisms such as E. coli, Giardia, and cholera bacteria. This product is a vital tool for preventing waterborne diseases in households and in humanitarian response settings across Tanzania and beyond.

Available Product Formulations

This specific product is packaged as:

• Active Ingredient: Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) 67mg per tablet.
• Packaging: Strip of 10 individual tablets.
• Purpose: Designed for specific dosage to achieve residual chlorine levels recommended for safe drinking water.

Uses

The primary use of WaterGUARD tablets is:

• Emergency disinfection of non-potable water sources.
• Routine household water treatment to prevent diarrheal diseases.
• Making water safe for brushing teeth, washing vegetables, and consuming.

How to Use (Dosing Procedure)

Provide clear usage instructions:

• Dosage: One (1) WaterGUARD 67mg tablet is typically sufficient to purify 10 to 20 litres of clean, clear water. If the water is visibly dirty (turbid), first filter it through a clean cloth before using the tablet.
• Procedure: Add the tablet to the measured volume of water. Wait for the tablet to dissolve completely. Stir or gently shake the container.
• Waiting Time: Allow a minimum contact time of 30 minutes before drinking the water. This time is crucial for the chlorine to effectively neutralize all pathogens.

Side Effects

When used at the correct dosage, WaterGUARD tablets produce safe drinking water with minimal side effects. Some users may notice a slight chlorine odor or taste in the water, which indicates effective disinfection but is generally harmless. High overdose (using too many tablets for the water volume) can cause a very strong taste and potentially lead to mild nausea; always adhere strictly to the recommended water volume per tablet.

Interactions

WaterGUARD should not be mixed or stored near other chemical agents, especially acids, as this can release toxic chlorine gas. The disinfectant process can be impaired if the water contains excessive organic matter (i.e., highly turbid/muddy water). Always filter turbid water before treatment.

Warnings

Key safety warnings to note:

• Do Not Swallow Tablet: The tablet is for dissolving in water only. Do not swallow the tablet whole.
• Storage: Keep tablets in the original packaging, away from moisture, sunlight, and heat. Store out of reach of children.
• Ventilation: Use in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any strong chlorine vapors during dissolution, although this is rare with the 67mg dosage.

A Summary Table of Important Information

How WaterGUARD Works

Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) works as a highly stable source of chlorine. When the tablet dissolves in water, it releases hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the active disinfectant agent. HOCl penetrates the cell walls of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, disrupting their internal structures and chemical processes. This action rapidly inactivates or kills the microorganisms. A small amount of residual chlorine remains in the treated water, which helps prevent recontamination for a short period, ensuring the water remains safe to drink.