No, don’t do it!!!!
Sorry, but we get a little excited whenever this question is asked. Lake and river water contains a lot of bacteria and other gunk, even when the water looks pretty clear. Drinking straight from a lake or river can get you sick.
Remember, there’s a good reason why lake and river water is cleaned up before it is sent to our houses as drinking water.
This water may look clear and clean, but do not drink straight from any lake or river. You could get sick.
Photo: USDA NRCS