January 27-31, 2025 is Winter Salt Awareness Week.
It’s a week when environmentalists remind people to use salt responsibly on winter ice.
Salt, or chloride, is widely used for de-icing roads, walkways, and driveways during the winter months.
It can help prevent accidents by melting snow and ice, but excessive salt use can lead to significant environmental damage.
The chlorides in salt can infiltrate waterways, harm aquatic ecosystems, pollute soil, and corrode infrastructure.
Melting snow and ice carries salt into storm drains that empty into lakes, streams, and wetlands.
Once salt is dissolved in water, there is not practical way to remove it.
One teaspoon of salt has the potential to pollute 5 gallons of water.
You are encouraged to use salt sparingly. Using too much is not more effective. A coffee mug of salt is usually enough to de-ice a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.
If you apply too much salt, sweep up the excess and reuse it. Store the collected salt, along with any other salts, in a sealed and covered container to prevent it from coming into contact with the ground when not in use.
People can also consider using alternative de-icers such as sand or grit, which provides traction without the environmental toll.
PAST COVERAGE: Watershed District Provides Free Alternative to Winter Salt
The City of Woodbury has implemented a variety of strategies to reduce salt usage. Some of the techniques include optimized salt application, staff and public education, improved snow and ice management practices, regular maintenance of equipment, and updating the snow and ice control policy.
