Red Stains from Loudoun Water

For a while now we have been seeing an increase in reddish stains from our water. The stains usually appear on shower heads, in toilets after a few days of non-use (evaporation), and most disturbing around our dogs mouth when she drinks unfiltered water. Even at times filtered water causes a reddish tint to appear around her mouth.

I found this article interesting, http://www.waterdrs.com/water-information/water-that-causes-stains/ My initial guess is the stains are caused by bacteria as noted in the article.

Anyone else experiencing this issue?

 

Mr. Linux, I did look at other sources. I don't shy away from any view point. The site referenced happened to be the best one I found that had numerous possibilities for the stain. I found the Loudoun Water singular explanation limiting.

The Loudoun Water explanation certainly could be the most plausible explanation, but I tend to initially shy away from an opinion from a company with parochial interests. Especially with a sensitive issue like water safety and quality.

I am not accusing Loudoun Water of anything nefarious, I just want to know what the stuff is and if there is a way to get rid of it. I trust Loudoun Water but I also think it prudent to be vigilant.

I am not entirely comfortable with Loudoun Water's recommendation for eliminating the stain being, "The stain can easily be wiped off with a disinfectant. Use care with abrasives that can scratch your fixtures. Keeping the bathroom fixtures wiped down and dry will help minimize the occurrence of this bacteria. " That sounds like a good solution for the shower head and fixtures, but not necessarily a good solution for my dogs face. Most likely the same stuff is on our skin after showering. What is Loudoun Waters recommendation for that?

I'll let you know when Loudoun Water responds to my inquiry which I sent this morning.

 

I often wondered why my dog went through phases of having reddish stains around her mouth, that miraculously went away when we took her on vacation. Shower head is red too. Interesting.

 

Mold/bacteria growth.

 

Our vet told us it was the iron in his saliva. Is that not true?

 

kmjtt, maybe. I am no vet so I won't discount what you heard. But in our case I don't think it is from the saliva. If we go away on vacation and give our dog different water the red disappears. Also, we see a reduction of the reddish tint if we filter the water.

vacliff, I think it is a bacteria based on what I've been reading. Also the slimy consistency leads me to believe it a bacteria as opposed to an iron sediment. Comforting to know we throw that stuff all over ourselves via a shower. Loudoun Water does say it is harmless to most folks. (via website)

 

you can rule soylent green out.

 

Charlton Heston was the first consumer of organic food. Remember the steak scene?

 

It just means you need to clean your showerheads more often!

 

That goes without saying, regardless the stuff is in the water and it makes my dogs mouth red. Website also says in some cases it can cause urinary track infections.

So the question remains, how do you eliminate it? Filters?

 

my dog drinks our deer park water cooler water... no red!

 

Now that is helpful. Thanks redon.

 

see? I am a TOTAL problem solver!

ask me anything- I have a VERY helpful answer in the chamber...

 

easy- 20and NEVER. :woot:

NEXT???

 

A pox on you, Redon!

I say within 3 years! =)

 

I used to like you!!!!