A soldier deploying FloodSax alternative sandbags

Why are FloodSax alternative sandbags white?

People often ask us why our FloodSax are white while traditional sandbags are beige.

Well, the answer is simple. It means they will show up contaminants in the water and this is why FloodSax (and sandbags) should be disposed of after each flooding incident to reduce the risk of infection.

Public Health England states: "During flooding, sewage systems may become inundated by floodwater. Consequently, floodwater is likely to be contaminated by disease producing bacteria and viruses.

“Microbiological testing of the floodwater is therefore likely to find disease causing micro-organisms so for this reason we do not recommend routinely carrying out microbiological testing on floodwater."

There is good news, however.

Public Health England adds: "Infection problems arising from floods in this country are rare."

But it warns: “Try to avoid coming into direct contact with floodwater. If you have to go into the water, wear waterproof gloves and rubber boots and remember to be careful of potentially concealed hazards. Do not eat any food that has been in contact with floodwater.”

More than 2.5 million FloodSax have now been sold worldwide.