Some people who live in Poland Township said they are finding a pink and slimy residue growing inside their homes and they are finding the substance in their showers, toilet bowls, and even coffee pots.

21 News caught up with one homeowner and an expert who says the slime comes from a bacteria, that may not be as harmful as some believe.

Robert Clayton lives in Poland Township and was surprised to see the substance sitting on the bottom of his coffee pot.

"My wife made a put of coffee with our commercial coffee pot and she sat the pot down and left a little bit of water in the bottom of their pot and the next morning I found like an orange, peach colored scaly residue in the bottom of the pot," Clayton said.

The residue comes from an airborne bacteria called Serratia Marcescens and it thrives in humidity. The residue can appear on everyday household items.

"A counter top, a fixture, a carafe or even dog bowls.  If it remains moist in that area the bacteria has a chance to grow and then after it grows and that colony gets so large, it can start to show up in the form of a pink or orange-ish residue or slime," Jeff La Rue, industry and communications consultant for Aqua Ohio said. 

After posting a status on the Everything Poland Facebook group, Robert Clayton tells 21 News, other people were finding the same substance in their homes.

"A lot of people [commented] back and said 'Hey I get that in my shower,' 'Hey I get that in my sink,' 'Hey I get that inside my toilet bowl." Clayton said. 

LaRue says the bacteria can be further aggravated by using carbon filters because it removes chlorine from a water supply system.

The slimy residue can be reduced by ventilating the room for at least 30 minutes or using surface cleaners with chlorine.

The bacteria is mostly harmless, but can cause infections if it enters the lungs, blood, or brain.