Minnow Water Activated Flood Bags

Product type: Fresh-water-activated, gel-filled flood bag

Exterior material: UV-protected nonwoven polypropylene

Interior material: Hydrophilic sodium polyacrylate superabsorbent polymer

Activation water: Fresh water only

Activation time: Approximately 3–4 minutes

Water absorption: Approximately six gallons per bag

Activated weight: Approximately 39–44 pounds

Activated protection height: Approximately 4.72 inches per bag

Unactivated shelf life: Approximately three years when kept sealed, cool and dry

MW1 pillow-shaped bag:

• Dimensions: Approximately 23.62 × 15.75 inches
• Unactivated weight: Approximately 9.6 ounces
• Shape: Traditional pillow-style sandbag
• Packaging: Five bags per vacuum-sealed pouch

MW2 box-shaped bag:

• Dimensions: Approximately 15.75 × 14.17 inches
• Unactivated weight: Approximately 11.6 ounces
• Shape: More defined box shape
• Handles: Included for easier positioning
• Packaging: Four bags per vacuum-sealed pouch

Colors: Black and white options may be available depending on the model

Estimated single-row coverage:

• MW1: Approximately six bags per 10 linear feet
• MW2: Approximately eight bags per 10 linear feet

Storage: Keep unactivated bags sealed in their original vacuum packaging in a cool, dry location.

Barrier construction: Bags can be stacked in staggered rows. Wider bases are required as freestanding barrier height increases.

Limitations:

• Will not activate properly in salt water
• Intended as a temporary flood-mitigation product
• Some water seepage should be anticipated
• Activated bags become heavy and require safe handling

Minnow bags should be activated with fresh water before they are positioned whenever possible. Pre-activation helps prevent rising floodwater from overwhelming the bags before they reach their full size.

Activation and deployment:

1. Carefully cut open the vacuum-sealed package without cutting the Minnow bags.
2. Fill a staging pool, large container or similar basin with fresh water.
3. Place the bags flat in the water and allow approximately three to four minutes for complete activation.
4. Remember that each activated bag may weigh approximately 39–44 pounds. Use safe lifting practices and two people when necessary.
5. Place the first row with the long side of each bag parallel to the expected water.
6. Position the bags tightly against one another and against adjoining walls to reduce open seams.
7. When adding another layer, stagger the bags in a brick-like pattern so the upper bags cover the seams below.
8. For freestanding walls higher than two bags, widen the base as the wall height increases. A base approximately two to three times the wall height may be required for stability.
9. Build the barrier higher than the anticipated water level and monitor it during the flood event.

Important limitations:

• Activate Minnow using fresh water only.
• Unactivated bags will not work properly in salt water.
• Minnow may be used against salt water only after the bags have first been fully activated with fresh water.
• Avoid dragging activated bags across sharp or abrasive surfaces.
• Minnow is a temporary, semi-pervious barrier; some seepage should be anticipated and managed.

Disposal:

If the bags were activated only with clean water, they can generally be disposed of as solid waste in accordance with local requirements. Bags exposed to floodwater, sewage, chemicals, oils or other contaminants should be handled and disposed of according to applicable local regulations. Do not open or distribute contaminated gel.

How do Minnow flood bags work?

Each bag contains a superabsorbent polymer that absorbs fresh water and forms a gel. This causes the flat bag to expand into a weighted flood barrier.

How long does activation take?

A Minnow bag generally reaches its activated size in approximately three to four minutes.

Should I place the bags directly in rising floodwater?

Although the bags may activate in standing fresh water, pre-activating them in a staging pool or container is recommended. This ensures they are fully expanded before placement.

Can Minnow bags be activated with salt water?

No. They must be activated with fresh water. Once fully activated with fresh water, they may be positioned to help divert salt water.

How much does an activated bag weigh?

Each activated bag weighs approximately 39–44 pounds. Use safe lifting practices and two people if needed.

Can Minnow bags be stacked?

Yes. Fully activate the bags first, place them lengthwise and stagger successive rows like bricks. Freestanding walls require a wider base as their height increases.

What is the difference between MW1 and MW2?

MW1 is a longer, pillow-shaped bag resembling a conventional sandbag. MW2 has a more defined box shape and includes handles that make the activated bag easier to position.

How long can unused Minnow bags be stored?

The manufacturer lists a shelf life of approximately three years when the bags remain vacuum-sealed and are stored in a cool, dry location.

How long do activated bags remain filled?

Depending on temperature, humidity and environmental conditions, activated bags may retain water for approximately one to three months before gradually drying.

Can Minnow bags be reused?

Minnow bags are generally treated as disposable after activation. Their long-term condition depends on exposure, handling and contamination, so they should not be represented as repeatedly reusable in the same manner as rigid panels or water-filled tubes.

How should used bags be discarded?

Bags exposed only to clean water can generally be placed in solid waste, subject to local rules. Bags exposed to floodwater, sewage, chemicals or other contaminants must be handled according to local disposal requirements.

Will Minnow stop all water?

No temporary bag barrier should be represented as completely watertight. Proper activation, close placement, staggered rows and an adequately wide base help reduce gaps and seepage. A plan for removing water that collects behind the barrier is recommended.