What is the pink residue in my bathroom?
Pink residue is generally not a problem with water quality. In fact, pink residue is likely a result of airborne bacteria which produce a pinkish or dark gray film on regularly moist surfaces. Such surfaces include toilet bowls, shower heads, sink drains, and tiles. Some people have also noted that the pink residue in their pet’s water bowl, which causes no apparent harm to the pet and is easily cleaned off. Many experts agree that the bacteria that cause these pink stains is most likely Serratia marcescnens, a bacteria which is found naturally in soil, food, and in animals. Serratia, which produce a characteristic red pigment, thrive on moisture, dust, and phosphates and need almost nothing to survive. The pinkish film often appears during construction or after construction or remodeling, when dust and dirt containing Serratia bacteria are stirred up. Once the bacteria are airborne, it will seek a moist location in which it can grow. Some people have reported that the pink residue onl
