Yes hutch, believe it or not the growth is just that a vegtable growth!! The guy from Public Health was well aware of the problem in the Dromara region of N.Ireland which receicves its water from the Spelga Dam in the Mourne mountains nearby. Apparently the spore is present in the water and will seed on the inside of pipes where the water is sluggish. The brown colour was due to the lack of daylight.
A good flush out with bleach has cured the problem. Of course we will have to take more baths rather than showers in order to ensure that the growth does not return. I cannot remember the latin name but I will try to contact Public Health again.
Many thanks for your input!
