In Wisconsin, winter means snow, ice, and inevitably, salt. De-icing salt is a common sight on sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways, helping to prevent slips and falls during the coldest months. However, this winter staple comes with an environmental cost: our local rivers, lakes, and streams are suffering from the overuse of salt.
Why Is Salt a Problem?
Once salt enters the environment, it’s here to stay. Salt doesn’t break down or evaporate; instead, it washes into lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands, where it can wreak havoc on freshwater ecosystems. Chloride from road salt is toxic to small aquatic organisms and disrupts the delicate balance of natural habitats.
Here are some alarming facts:
Just 1 teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute 5 gallons of water, reaching toxicity levels harmful to fish and other aquatic life.
For over 60 years, our soils, groundwater, and waterways have absorbed nearly all the salt spread in urban areas.
Salt contamination not only hurts the environment, but also infrastructure, our vehicles, pet paws, and our local economy.
The good news? We don’t have to choose between safety and sustainability. By using salt smarter, we can protect our waterways while keeping sidewalks and driveways ice-free.
4 Simple Ways to Use Less Salt This Winter
Shovel Early and Often
Shovel Early and Often
Clearing snow while it’s fresh is the easiest way to reduce the need for salt. Stay ahead of the game by shoveling before snow has a chance to compact into ice.
Use Salt Sparingly
Use Salt Sparingly
A little salt goes a long way! Did you know a coffee mug of salt is enough to treat a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares? Over-salting doesn’t speed up melting—it just increases runoff.
Know When Salt Stops Working
Know When Salt Stops Working
Salt loses effectiveness when pavement temperatures drop below 15°F. In colder weather, opt for alternatives like sand for traction or specialty de-icers designed for lower temperatures.
Sweep Up Excess Salt
Sweep Up Excess Salt
After salt has melted the ice, grab a broom. Sweeping up leftover salt prevents it from washing into storm drains and polluting waterways. Bonus: you can save and reuse it during the next snowfall!
A Win for Safety and the Environment
By rethinking how we use salt, we can help protect Wisconsin’s precious water resources without compromising safety. Small actions add up—whether it’s shoveling sooner, using less salt, or sweeping it up, every step you take helps keep our rivers and lakes healthy for generations to come.
For more tips to reduce water pollution at home, visit Renew Our Waters.
