[Bogie Shooter]

Serratia bacteria are common inhabitants of our environment and can be found in many places, including
human and animal feces, dust, soil, and in surface waters. The bacteria will grow in any moist location where
phosphorous containing materials or fatty substances accumulate. Sources of these substances include soap
residues in bathing areas, feces in toilets, soap and food residues in pet water dishes. Many times, the pinkish
film appears during and after new construction or remodeling activities. Others have indicated the pink �stuff�
occurs during a time of year that their windows are open for the majority of the day.
These airborne bacteria can come from any number of naturally occurring sources, and the condition can be
further aggravated if customers remove the chlorine from their water by way of an activated carbon filter.
Serratia can also grow in tap water in locations such as toilets in guest bathrooms where the water is left
standing long enough for the chlorine residual disinfectant to dissipate. Serratia will not survive in chlorinated
drinking water.
Serratia marsescens 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. More recently, Serratia
marcescens has been found to be pathogenic to some people, having been identified as a cause of urinary tract
infections, wound infections, and pneumonia in hospital environments.
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 appear to be the best
way to control it.