Why is there a pink-colored residue on my bathroom fixtures and/or toilet bowl?
Utilities and their customers throughout the United States have experienced this problem. Fortunately, the pink substance is not an indicator of poor water quality in the Districts distribution system. Rather, the residue is thought to result from airborne bacteria and is also affected by a homeowners cleaning habits. While testing to determine the exact nature of the substance would be both costly and time-consuming, scientists and laboratory analysts have concluded that it is a species of bacteria called Serratia Marcescens. S. Marcescens is a naturally occurring bacterium found throughout the environment, appearing more frequently in humid climates. Products containing chlorine, household bleach for example, will effectively remove and control the proliferation of S. Marcescens. The Serratia Marcescens Fact Sheet will provide you with more detailed information.
