[pct-l] Bleach vs. aqua Mira

[Eric Lee]

Ben wrote:
>
Why would I use aqua Mira when bleach costs a fraction of the price? Does
one work better than the other? Is one safer than the other? Taste? Really
curious about this one.....
>

The short version is that bleach (free chlorine) and Aqua Mira (chlorine
dioxide) are not at all the same chemical, in the same way that sodium
chloride (table salt) isn't at all like bleach.  They kill pathogens via
different mechanisms; bleach kills via chlorine, Aqua Mira kills via oxygen.
Generally speaking, Aqua Mira will have less-bad side-effects than will
bleach, especially over multiple months of use.  (That's not to say that
there are no side-effects, of course.)  Aqua Mira is also more effective
against Giardia and Crypto than bleach is.

Also, I personally find Aqua Mira to be almost undetectable in my water but
I think bleach smells and tastes nasty.  Some people have other opinions on
that part.

Aqua Mira is unfortunately a lot more expensive than bleach is, so if money
is a critical limiting factor then bleach might be your only reasonable
choice.  However, if you've got the money to be able to afford Aqua Mira (or
any other chlorine dioxide-based water treatment) then I don't think it's a
waste of money.  It's what I use.

Eric