International Header

Outside Online: Is it safe to use one of those Brita pitchers to filter river and lake water while camping?

In a word, no. Brita-type filters are designed to take out waterborne contaminants such as chemicals, and to remove sediment.

Outside Online: Is it safe to use one of those Brita pitchers to filter river and lake water while camping?

Last updated:
September 16, 2021
|  5 min read

Outside Online: Is it safe to use one of those Brita pitchers to filter river and lake water while camping?

Outside Online: Is it safe to use one of those Brita pitchers to filter river and lake water while camping?

YouTube video highlight

In a word, no. Brita-type filters are designed to take out waterborne contaminants such as chemicals, and to remove sediment.

Read more about the project

Outside Online: Is it safe to use one of those Brita pitchers to filter river and lake water while camping?

Thumbnail Slider Image
No items found.

Is it safe to use one of those Brita pitchers to filter river and lake water while camping?

In a word, no. Brita-type filters are designed to take out waterborne contaminants such as chemicals, and to remove sediment. They aren't at all intended to "purify" water or remove biological nasties such as giardia.

See the full response and article by Doug Gantenbein on Outside Online's website here.

Outside Online: Is it safe to use one of those Brita pitchers to filter river and lake water while camping?

Is it safe to use one of those Brita pitchers to filter river and lake water while camping?

In a word, no. Brita-type filters are designed to take out waterborne contaminants such as chemicals, and to remove sediment. They aren't at all intended to "purify" water or remove biological nasties such as giardia.

See the full response and article by Doug Gantenbein on Outside Online's website here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Outside Online
Outside Online
Outside covers travel, sports, gear, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the outdoors.
Reviews

Outside Online: Is it safe to use one of those Brita pitchers to filter river and lake water while camping?

Is it safe to use one of those Brita pitchers to filter river and lake water while camping?

In a word, no. Brita-type filters are designed to take out waterborne contaminants such as chemicals, and to remove sediment. They aren't at all intended to "purify" water or remove biological nasties such as giardia.

See the full response and article by Doug Gantenbein on Outside Online's website here.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Media Mentions from Outside Online
Outside Online
Outside covers travel, sports, gear, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the outdoors.
Reviews
browse all articles
Here at Sawyer
November 18, 2025
6 Min
Backpacker: The 11 Best Gifts for Hikers of 2025
Read More

Media Mentions

The Sawyer Squeeze just screws on the top of the Smartwater bottle, allowing me to fill it with untreated water and simply squeeze filtered water into my mouth.

Hiking Guy
Media Mentions from Hiking Guy

Media Mentions

Insect repellents come in lotions, sprays, wipes, balms and even patches, but there are three primary anti-bug ingredients that can safely be used on children: DEET, picaridin and essential oils.

Baby List
Media Mentions from Baby List

Media Mentions

Finding the best bug spray and mosquito repellents on the market isn't just in your family's best interest—it's practically a can't-do-without necessity.

Anna Mahan
Associate Commerce Editor
<<  Previous Post
No previous post!
Check out our Directory
Next Post  >>
No next post!
Check out our Directory