I see the Potable Aqua is being packaged with Vitamin C tablets to remove the iodine taste. I have heard ETS'ers mention doing this on their own as well. Does it really work? What's the theory behind it? Anybody have an opinion on if it would work to remove other objectionable flavors? I'm thinking specifically about ways to remove the plastic taste that commercially bottled water develops over time, and I'm sure there are others. It never hurts to have a little extra Vitamin C on hand anyway, and if it works I might include a small quantity with each case of water I store.

I realize that various things can be used to mask the flavor (powdered drink mixes, etc.), but what I'm really after is something simple and healthy that will make the water taste like water again. I've never used the Vit C with the Potable Aqua tablets so I'm not really sure what the results would be.

I haven't actually tried it myself, but the idea is that iodine reacts with the Vitamin C and becomes iodide, which our taste buds don't perceive as having that iodine taste. I don't think it has any effect on that plastic taste, though, except maybe as a masking flavor.

Aqua Mira!!!

http://giardiaclub.com/aqua-mira.html

Has a slight citrus taste and it kills EVERYTHING. Ok, almost everything.

PA-plus also has some vitamine C in it right?

It works, not just on iodine but on chlorine as well, but I'm not sure how much vitamin C you'll get. The ascorbic acid bonds to them, creating a different compound that is biologically inert and is basically tasteless. There is some taste, but but I've drank municipal water that was a lot worse, it's a little bitter.

You must want to wait to be sure your iodine or chlorine has done its thing though. The reaction is pretty much a one way ticket, and anything still alive when the reaction starts is still alive when the iodine rendered inert.

It sounds like there would be no real benefit either as to plastic taste or vitamin boost. The oldest bottle of water I have is only about 6 months old. I think I'll let it kick around under the seat of my truck for about another year, add some Vit C, and run a taste test to be sure.

Well, if you add enough vitamin C, the iodine or clorine will stop reacting and you'll have left overs. As for the plastic taste... why do you think I use Nalgenes? The only time I've ever had a taste in one was when I kinda left one about a quarter full of ice tea in my car for a week... that needed some time to air out.

As a side note, when your ice tea is furry, it is best to let it run free.