Black specs in hot water

[MVS]

We are seeing black specs in hot water. It was coming in master bathroom bath tub first but now it is coming in all the faucets. It is little rubbery in touch and leaves black smears. Water heater was just replaced last ear Nov 2017. Our plumbing is copper pipes. Not sure what is causing it. Can you please advise me what could be causing this issue? Called up the water heater company Rheem and they said I need to get the anode rod changed. Plumbers are saying it doesn't seem like a water heater issue. We have flushed the water heater once and these specs were found in flushed water heater also. We live in VA and have water from Fairfax Water. Updating the heater pics and anode rod from the top.

 

[Reach4]

Our plumbing is copper pipes.

Look for a flex line to or from the WH that is not corregated metal. A braided flex line has a rubber-like tube inside, and some of those deteriorate.