Filtering water can remove particles that may contain Serratia marcescens. Water filtration systems can help filter the chlorine so that the “pink stuff” won't be on sinks.
Once established, the organism usually cannot be eliminated entirely. However, periodic and thorough cleaning of the surfaces where the pink slime occurs, followed by disinfection with chlorine bleach, appears to be the best way to control it.
Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water. Serratia marcescens is not known to cause any waterborne diseases.
It will not remove bacteria. To remove naturally occurring or disinfection tastes and odours from water an activated carbon filter is more appropriate. It will not remove bacteria. To remove chemicals and bacteria, a reverse osmosis or distiller system would be required.
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 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.
So what's causing these mysterious pink rings? And why does it keep coming back after you've scrubbed it away? While many people believe the stains to be a sign of poor-quality or overly metallic hard water, most likely it is a bacteria known as Serratia Marcescens.
Some filters can remove parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia if used properly. However, they may not remove viruses and bacteria. Germs could still be present in your filtered water.
The idea that cleaning a filter in chlorinated water destroys the beneficial bacteria was tested. The test proved beyond any doubt that chlorine levels even two to four times what is found in tap water have no effect on the beneficial bacteria.
Because the filter cannot kill bacteria, it may actually becomes a breeding ground for the microorganisms if not changed regularly. An old, unchanged PoU filter can be dangerous because its use may add bacteria, which had been killed in the tap by chlorine, back into water.
The good news is Serratia marcescens is mostly harmless. Touching it while you're showering or cleaning won't cause any problems (in rare cases it can cause infections through open wounds or the eye).
Conclusions: Treatment of SM infections should include carbapenems or aminoglycosides in combination with third-generation (and eventually fourth-generation) cephalosporin. Cotrimoxazole should be considered in cases of uncomplicated urinary infections.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa was killed in 10 seconds by all concentrations of ethanol from 30% to 100% (v/v), and Serratia marcescens, E, coli and Salmonella typhosa were killed in 10 seconds by all concentrations of ethanol from 40% to 100%.
Optimal growing conditions for Serratia marcescens include dampness, mineral deposits and a climate ranging from warm to room temperature. It feeds on the minerals, fatty deposits and residue from your soap and personal hygiene products.
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.
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.
Filtered tap water offers the best of both worlds: Pure drinking water at a fraction of the cost of bottled water. A whole house filtration system may cost more up front, but it will save you a large amount of money over time.
The levels of chlorine in the drinking water are non-toxic, so you may not need a filter. However, consumption over time may have health consequences.
Radon, arsenic and nitrates are common pollutants in drinking water, and trace amounts of drugs including antibiotics and hormones have also been found. Certain filters may help remove these impurities as well.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
A reverse osmosis system combined with a carbon filter is most effective at removing water contaminants.
Dissolved organics and ionics, suspended impurities, bacteria and pyrogens are all removed from water when RO is used. To conclude, contaminants can be very damaging to water. Once found, they should be removed as soon as possible, using the most effective form of water purification technology.
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.
First, check the filter to remove any food debris that the mold could be feeding on. Then fill a dishwasher safe mug with a cup of white vinegar and place it, upright, on the top rack.
That nasty substance is called Serratia marcescens, a microorganism commonly referred to as pink mold. Even though it's been labeled a “mold,” this substance is actually a bacteria, not a fungus. These little guys thrive in warm, wet environments and feed off fatty substances (like soap residue for instance).