Water Activated Gel Filled Flood Bags

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The exterior material is non-woven polypropylene with UV protection and it is filled with sodium polyacrylate that gels and swells on contact with water. Sodium polyacrylate is non-toxic and was first developed by researchers for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The material was used for diapers worn by astronauts while they were on long space trips.

The flood bags will fully swell and absorb water in 3-4 minutes and will be ready to stack as soon as they are activated. We recommend pre-activating the bags using a small activation or staging pool, such as a kiddie pool or container.

Yes, you must have fully activated bags prior to stacking. We recommend building a wall that is higher than anticipated water level and with a 1:3 ratio, having a 3ft wide base for every 1ft of height. This provide stability against heavy flood conditions.

No, we recommend laying them length wise for both styles. This will help in staging them next to each other, minimize seams, as well as being best for stack the bags on top of each other.

Minnow bags cannot be used in salt water or to protect against rising oceans waters as the expandable gel will not activate in salt water. Bags should be activated using fresh water, though once activated, they can withstand and hold back salt water as well.

Minnow SAP gel filled bags will remain filled for roughly 1-3 months, depending on temperature, humidity, and environment. Over time, water will slowly leave the bag and evaporate.

Minnow gel filled flood bags are shipped flat in vacuum wrapped bags to prevent water absorption. We recommend storing Minnow bags in a cool, dry room. Shelf life is roughly 3 years when kept in vacuum bags.

The inner SAP contents will actually swell inside the bag, to form a gelled solid, holding the water in.

Yes, the contents are completely safe and non toxic to your pets. This is the same material used in children’s diapers.

The Minnow Gel Filled Bags are sandless sandbags that are ready to use, just activate with water! No additional sand or tools need.

Minnow bags should be pre-activated with water so they are full size and then can be used to contain and divert other liquids. You can use minnow to absorb and clean up water, soda, or other spills.

Yes, they can be used indoors to help with nuisance leaks, such as a hot water heater, faucet, or pipe leak, but we recommend being cautious on sensitive floors, where staining could occur.

Yes. Minnow bags can be used to divert snow melt and ice jams, but should be pre-activated ahead of time. We recommend checking on them due to the elements of the weather to assure they are working for your needs.

Yes, the bags will absorb and lock in the water and can be placed during a flood, to then hold back, divert and re-route water, once activated.

Once used, water activated flood bags can be disposed of as solid waste post flood, or left in place for further flood mitigation or erosion control needs. Activated interior gel can also be distributed on fields, since it is non-toxic and offers a gradual release of absorbed water (1-3 months), beneficial for agricultural use in arid areas.

The MW1 has a pillow shape similar to traditional sandbags and offers 23.62" in length of protection. When placed down it takes on a traditional sandbag shape.

The MW2 is 15.75” in length and when activated takes on a more defined square/box shape, more like a block.

The MW2 has handles for easier transport, which is very useful as these can weigh 35-40lbs when activated. We recommend MW2 with handles if you plan to reposition or move your Minnow flood barrier.