Do your products filter rainwater?

LifeStraw filters are highly effective at removing bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from water. They are designed and tested to meet NSF 231 and NSF 53 standards, ensuring the removal of microbiological contaminants from freshwater sources, including individual wells, springs, and other natural water sources.

When using rainwater collected directly (e.g., from a clean container during rainfall), LifeStraw products can provide safe drinking water by removing harmful microorganisms. However, if the rainwater is collected from gutters or roofs, the situation becomes more complex due to potential contamination from:

• Chemical Contaminants: Roof materials, such as asphalt shingles, may leach chemicals, including petroleum-based substances, into the water. LifeStraw filters are not designed to effectively remove all chemical contaminants.
• Heavy Metals: Debris or roofing materials might introduce heavy metals like lead or mercury into the water. LifeStraw's Home Pitchers and Dispensers are more comprehensive, as they are specifically designed to reduce bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, and chemicals, including PFAS ("forever chemicals"), chlorine, herbicides, and pesticides.

For rainwater collected from roofs or gutters, it is advisable to use a multi-stage filtration system that includes activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis alongside your LifeStraw for a more thorough removal of chemicals and heavy metals.