Biofilm is a gelatinous organic substance that accumulates on the inside of pipework and other surfaces that come in contact with water. This substance is an excretion from certain bacteria particularly (but not limited to) Pseudomonas, that they then deposit to create a home and protect themselves from things in the environment that can be harmful to them. Once biofilm has established itself in a water distribution system, problems quickly begin to multiply. Other microorganisms, notably, Legionella take up residence within the biofilm.
« Back to Glossary Index