Black slime in water pump pipes

And as for the washing machine gunk... At least I don't drink it 

We don't clean our teeth with the aquaroll water either.  In fact these days we don't even use an aquaroll.  (Anyone need a spare aquaroll??)

We caravan in France, and site facilities are usually good, the weather usually better, and so we use the 'facilities' block for everything.  It does save lugging water backwards and forwards and avoids the issue of slime in the pipes. .

We use a filter jug just like at home. We live on the edge of Dartmoor and the water tastes 'orrible!

ValDa, I also cut open one of my blue pipes and it was just the same. With the sun shining on the blue pipe and the water not moving for a while it can get quite warm, hence the yuk. Perhaps mine is due another clean. 

Yes, our caravanning in that caravan (with the pipe shown) is always in France, so the Aquaroll heated up during the day and cooled down at night.  In addition, because we use site facilities a lot, I think our water sat in the Aquaroll for a long time.  A friend (Microbiology professor) looked at my pictures, and advised us not to drink the water again so we haven't done!  My health has been much better since.  I had strange neurological (brain and nervous system) symptoms, which I've not had since we stopped drinking the caravan water.  I actually had to have MRI scans, CT scans, and more - now I have no problems again.

I'm not trying to scaremonger, but it's long been a bit of a hobby horse of mine to convince the caravan industry and Aquaroll that they ought to run proper microbiological tests on what comes out of caravan taps!

I am so glad you saw this post ValDa!  You always put the case so well .  I am rather fussy about how my water tastes as well as being concerned about the pipes!  This makes a lot of tap water unpleasant to me including water in Tavistock that has definitely changed in chemical flavours since my daughter moved there 4 years ago.  

As to washing machines they are now mainly cold feed I believe as of course was the loo systern that my daughter had full of black gunk in Norfolk.  I think it all indicates more bacteria in the water supply and of course it is not advised to be given to new borns Now without boiling.  

The 'black slime' is a biofilm and while unsightly is generally completely harmless.  Given the right conditions (warmth) it will grow and simple chlorination will remove it.  There's pleanty of information available on it - for example http://www.scottishwater.co.uk/assets/domestic/files/you%20and%20your%20home/water%20quality/swfactsheet8.pdf

Stagnant water is where danger really lies. Leaving water in an aquaroll for several days is not a good thing to do.  Make sure you change water frequently and run taps before using.  Don't forget your showerheads as well which are an ideal breading ground for legionella. I wonder how many folk get mild flu like symptoms when first using their 'vans after they've been stored for a while.