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What Causes the Pink Stain on Bathroom Fixtures?
<br /> The reddish-pink color frequently noted in bathrooms on shower stalls, tubs, tile, toilets, sinks,
<br /> toothbrush holders, and on pets' water bowls is caused by the growth of the bacterium Serratia
<br /> marcesens. Serratia is commonly isolated from soil,water, plants, insects, and vertebrates (including humans).
<br /> The bacteria can be introduced into the house through any of the above mentioned sources. The bathroom
<br /> provides a perfect environment (moist and warm) for bacteria to thrive.
<br /> The best solution to this problem is to continually clean and dry the involved surfaces to keep them free from
<br /> bacteria. Chlorine-based compounds work best, but keep in mind that abrasive cleaners may scratch fixtures,
<br /> making them more susceptible to bacterial growth. Chlorine bleach can be used periodically to disinfect the toilet
<br /> and help to eliminate the occurrence of the pink residue. Keeping bathtubs and sinks wiped down using a solution that
<br /> contains chlorine will also help to minimize its occurrence.
<br /> Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water.
<br /> Substances That Could Be in Water Community Water Fluoridation
<br /> To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. EPA The safety and benefits of fluoride are well documented.
<br /> prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain For over 70 years, U.S. citizens have benefited from
<br /> contaminants in water provided by public water systems. drinking water containing fluoride, leading to better
<br /> U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish dental health. Drinking fluoridated water keeps the teeth
<br /> limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must strong and has reduced tooth decay by approximately 25
<br /> provide the same protection for public health. Drinking percent in children and adults.
<br /> water,including bottled water,may reasonably be expected Over the past several decades, there have been major
<br /> to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. improvements in oral health. Still, tooth decay remains
<br /> The presence of these contaminants does not necessarily one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood.
<br /> indicate that the water poses a health risk. Community water fluoridation has been identified as
<br /> The sources of drinking water(both tap water and bottled the most cost-effective method of delivering fluoride
<br /> water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, to all members of the community, regardless of age,
<br /> springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of educational attainment, or income level.
<br /> the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally Nearly all water contains some fluoride, but usually not
<br /> occurring minerals,in some cases,radioactive material,and enough to help prevent tooth decay or cavities. Public
<br /> substances resulting from the presence of animals or from water systems can add the right amount of fluoride to the
<br /> human activity. Substances that may be present in source
<br /> water include: local drinking water to prevent tooth decay.
<br /> Community water fluoridation is recommended by
<br /> Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, nearly all public health,medical,and dental organizations
<br /> which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic in the U.S. Because of its contribution to
<br /> systems,agricultural livestock operations,or wildlife; the dramatic decline in tooth decay,
<br /> Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which the Centers for Disease Control
<br /> can be naturally occurring or may result from urban storm- and Prevention (CDC) named
<br /> water runoff,industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, community water
<br /> oil androduction,mining,or farming; fluoridation one of the
<br /> �P g g 1 �
<br /> greatest public health
<br /> Pesticides and Herbicides,which may come from a variety achievements of the •
<br /> of sources such as agriculture, urban storm-water runoff, 20th century. (Courtesy
<br /> and residential uses; t,
<br /> of CDC: www.cdc.gov/
<br /> Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic fluoridation) ,� .-,'
<br /> and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of & a
<br /> industrial processes and petroleum production and may
<br /> also come from gas stations,urban storm-water runoff,and
<br /> septic systems;
<br /> QUESTIONS?
<br /> Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally
<br /> occurring or may be the result of oil and gas production
<br /> and mining activities. For more information about this report, or for any
<br /> For more information about contaminants and potential questions relating to your drinking water,please call
<br /> health effects, call the U.S. EPA's Safe Drinking Water Elk River Municipal Utilities at(763) 441-2020.
<br /> Hotline at(800)426-4791.
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