Man, I'm losing it! Full disclosure, I really didn't look at the Potable Aqua's packaging to see where it was made and just echoed from a previous post that the tablets were made in Italy. I was told by the sales manager at WPC (Potable Aqua is one of their brands) that they are all made in the same factory and so it really doesn't matter which brand you buy, there all the same. I'll check before I make any claims next time... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

The MSR Sweetwater's Viral Stop solution is really a simple solution of diluted Sodium Hypochlorite (common bleach). It was engineered to have just the right amount of concentration so as to take care of the weak viruses but not leave any taste behind. The idea is that after the water is filtered most of the big bugs (protozoa including giardia and chrypto) are gone. Most of the bacteria are also filtered along with any viruses attached to the bacteria and protozoa. However, there are a few free-floating very weak viruses that could potentially "survive" long enough to attach themselves to a human cell in the body, quickly replicating. By adding 5 drops per liter AFTER filtering and letting it sit for appox. 5 minutes will easily take care of these and will make the water purified under the EPA's definition (99.9999%). Only those with the most sensitive taste buds will detect a slight chlorine taste (better than most tap water). Viral Stop should NEVER be used as a stand alone treatment as it will not kill giardia or chrypto.