Fuel/water separator filter turning black

[74bassman]

I'm was doing an oil change today, and decided to take a better look at this. My davco turns black about 5k to 7k miles, change it no big deal. After following the other thread about serving this fiter, I got to wiping the spring in the housing. I noticed this black stuff wipe right off. I didn't notice before because it was all the same color. I also notice in the bowl area same thing. This is black wipes right off, and is slimy.