A system and containers for water filtration and item sanitization are described herein. In one embodiment, a water filtration device uses an extruded carbon sheet or granulated activated carbon to filter unpurified, gravity-fed water. The device can be a stand-alone water container or incorporated within a water purification system having a further purification technology located in a base in fluid communication with the water container. Other sanitizing containers can be used with the base to sanitize items while the water in the container is being sanitized. The base can include controls for informing a user when the water filtration or item sanitization has been completed. A method of sanitizing items is also disclosed. Practical applications include drinking water filtration, sanitization of household items, medical equipment, and the like.