Why is my well water pink?

About the Bacteria

Many experts agree that the bacteria that causes these pink stains is most likely Serratia marcescens, 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.

How do you fix pink well water?

How Do You Fix Pink Well Water? By upgrading your water filtration system, you can also protect yourself from pink slime and other harmful organisms. Serratia marcescens is possible to be removed by filtering water. The “pink stuff” can't go on sinks with the help of water filtration systems.

Is pink water safe to drink?

As pink water does not pose any immediate health risks, it has been deemed safe to drink and use. However, if an individual has sensitive skin, it is advisable to use an alternative source of water for bathing until your tap water begins to run clear.

What removes pink water?

We recommend trying a solution of one-part vinegar and one-part water; spray this mixture over the afflicted area and then scrub away with a soft bristle brush. For heavier or more set-in stains, chlorine bleach is usually a surefire way to clean away Serratia.

Why is my faucet water pink?

Pink water is likely from potassium permanganate, a chemical used to oxidize iron and manganese. If too much is used your water will turn pink, and if far too much is used it will turn purple. As long as it is still pink it is not a danger to your health.

How To Get Rid Of Brown Well Water - 4 Proven Ways

What does pink water mean?

What Causes Pink Residue. 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.

How do I get rid of Serratia marcescens in my house?

A very easy homemade mixture that you can use to clean Serratia marcescens is baking soda mixed with dish detergent (a 4:1 ratio works best). After rinsing this mixture off, continue cleaning with vinegar. Let this soak and then clean and rinse.

Why does my water turn my shower pink?

The “pink mold” you may find in your shower actually isn't mold, but a very common strain of airborne bacteria that's found throughout the world. The bacteria, Serratia marcescens, cause that pink or even red slime you might find in your shower, toilet bowl, or around other water fixtures.

Is Serratia marcescens harmful to humans?

In rare cases, Serratia marcescens can be deadly.

Along with other bacteria, Serratia marcescens is a source of hospital-acquired infections, which can happen if a patient's immune system is severely compromised or if the bacterium enters the body with a catheter, respirator or other medical device.

Why is my shower pink?

The pink colour is from a pigment (prodigiosin) produced by Serratia marcescens under the right growing conditions. Serratia marcescens is commonly referred to as “pink mold” or “pink mildew” but it is bacteria causing those irritating pink stains in the bathtub and on your shower head.

Does hard water leave pink residue?

No, a pink residue is not a problem with your water quality, and is not harmful in this situation. It is evidence of bacteria that are common inhabitants of our environment. The most typical of these bacteria is one known as Serratia marcescens.

What is the pink stuff in my sink?

The pink slime or residue is often referred to as Serratia marcescens. Serratia marcescens is an airborne bacterium or mold that grows on shower stalls, bathtubs, tiles, toilets, sinks, toothbrush holders, and can sometimes be seen on kitchen faucets.

Why is my water leaving a red residue?

The Causes of Reddish-Brown Stains from Water

Studies show that water with an iron concentration higher than 0.3 parts per million (ppm) causes red staining. Another common element that can create these stains is manganese. Over 0.05 ppm of manganese in water typically results in staining.

Will a water filter remove Serratia marcescens?

Water filters cannot typically remove bacteria from water. TheSerratia marcescens bacterium cannot be eliminated entirely once they are established. The best way to remove the pink slime or stain is to discard the filter immediately, and thoroughly clean the surfaces affected by treating them with chlorine bleach.

Can you drink water with Serratia marcescens?

Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water. Serratia marcescens is not known to cause any waterborne diseases. Members of the Serratia genus were once known as harmless organisms that produced a characteristic red pigment.

How do you get rid of iron bacteria in well water?

Disinfectants are the most common chemicals used to treat for iron bacteria. The most common disinfectant is household laundry bleach, which contains chlorine. Contact a licensed well contractor to disinfect your well, or use the instructions on the Well Disinfection webpage.

What happens if Serratia marcescens is left untreated?

marcescens has been shown to cause a wide range of infectious diseases, including urinary, respiratory, and biliary tract infections, peritonitis, wound infections, and intravenous catheter-related infections, which can also lead to life-threatening bacteremia.

Why is my toilet water turning pink?

The pink colour is due to a pigment secreted by a species of bacteria known as Serratia marcescens, found naturally in soil, air and water. They can cause infections, but that generally happens in hospitals and affects people with compromised immune systems.

Can Serratia marcescens go away on its own?

Although extremely rare, it can also cause pneumonia and meningitis. Once s. marcescens has established itself on a surface, completely eliminating it can be very difficult. Total eradication of the bacteria can be only accomplished with a bleach-based disinfectant or cleaner.

What kills pink mold?

Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that kills off all sorts of pesky mold, mildew, and bacteria. Pink mold would not stand a chance against bleach, so a bleach solution of pure bleach and water in a 1:2 ratio would work wonderfully in removing pink mold.

Is pink mold harmful?

It's usually not as hazardous to your health as black mold and other fungi, but there are some pink mold dangers, such as urinary tract infections, intestinal problems and in rare cases pneumonia. You'll definitely want to rid your bathroom of the pink mold and take steps to keep it from coming back.

How do you get rid of Serratia marcescens in the shower?

Throw shower curtains in the washing machine to sanitize.

Running your pink-tinged curtain through the washing machine on a gentle wash cycle with warm water effectively removes Serratia marcescens bacteria and any associated stains.

What are the symptoms of Serratia marcescens?

Symptoms may include fever, frequent urination, dysuria, pyuria, or pain upon urination. In 90% of cases, patients have a history of recent surgery or instrumentation of the urinary tract.

Are high levels of iron in water harmful?

Iron in water does not usually present a health risk. Your body needs iron to transport oxygen in the blood. Most iron comes from food, since the body cannot easily absorb iron from water. Iron may present some concern if harmful bacteria have entered a well.

What mineral in water leaves a pink residue?

However, because chlorine is a volatile compound, if water stands long enough for residual chlorine to dissipate (i.e a toilet or on a shower curtain), the pink slime may develop. People who remove chlorine from their water by the use of an activated carbon filter are therefore more likely to encounter pink slime.