What is the pink stuff in my toilet, shower or pet's dish?

The pink/orange stains in the toilet are most likely bacteria called Serratia Marcescens.  This type of bacteria is most frequently observed in toilet bowls, on surfaces in shower stalls, inside dishwashers, on tiles, in sinks, and in pet water dishes.

The bacteria will grow in any moist location where phosphorous containing materials or fatty substances accumulate.  Serratia can grow in toilets where the water is left standing long enough for the chlorine residual disinfectant to dissipate.  Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water.  To remove the bacteria in your toilets, clean them with bleach.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find Spotsylvania County Utilities' Water Quality Reports?
2. Who makes the rules and regulations for drinking water?
3. What is the source of my drinking water?
4. How is bacteria that cause disease kept out of drinking water?
5. How "hard" is Spotsylvania County Utilities water?
6. Is it safe to drink water from a garden hose?
7. Can water straight from the tap be used in home kidney dialysis machines?
8. Is it okay to use water from the hot water tap for drinking, cooking or making baby formula?
9. Can I store drinking water indefinitely and continue to be safe to drink?
10. Do I need to treat the tap water in any way before I place fish in an aquarium?
11. Why does tap water sometimes look milky or opaque?
12. Why do my ice cubes have white particles in them?
13. What is the white residue that sometimes builds up on coffee pots, irons, shower doors, glassware and cookware?
14. What is the pink stuff in my toilet, shower or pet's dish?
15. Why does my water have a stronger chlorine smell in the Spring?
16. Who controls my water quality?
17. What is the rotten egg or sulfur smell?