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.

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

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Outside Online
Last updated:
October 21, 2025
|  5 min read

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
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Outside Online
Outside covers travel, sports, gear, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the outdoors.
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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?

The word 'Outside' in bold orange text on a white background.
Outside Online
Last updated:
September 16, 2021
|  5 min read

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.

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Outside Online
Outside covers travel, sports, gear, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the outdoors.
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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.
learn about the author
Popular posts
Reviews
View all blog articles
Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.
We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.
News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.
NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.
Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the BackyardTM. What keeps you outdoors?
Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.
Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.
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