Help Protect Our Waters: Fox-Wolf’s Chloride Monitoring Program

Did you know that just one teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute five gallons of freshwater? Unlike other pollutants, chloride from road salt doesn’t break down—it stays in our waterways, impacting aquatic life and even our drinking water.

That’s why the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is continuing its Chloride Monitoring Program in 2025 with the help of 50 dedicated citizen scientists. These volunteers are monitoring over 70 sites across the watershed, gathering crucial data to help protect our rivers, lakes, and streams.

Why Should We Reduce Salt Pollution?

Salt keeps roads safe in winter, but once it washes into streams and lakes, it poses a serious environmental threat. Chloride:

  1. Harms Aquatic Life – High chloride levels disrupt ecosystems, harming fish, plants, and other wildlife.
  2. Affects Drinking Water – Excess chloride can contaminate groundwater and drinking water sources.
  3. Damages Infrastructure – Salt corrodes bridges, roads, and pipes, leading to expensive repairs.

By monitoring chloride levels, we can identify problem areas and advocate for better winter maintenance practices, such as:

✔️ Reducing excessive road salt application
✔️ Using environmentally friendly de-icing alternatives
✔️ Implementing smart winter maintenance strategies

Even small amounts of salt have lasting effects on our freshwater systems!

A Huge Thank You to Our Citizen Scientists!

We are incredibly grateful to our volunteer monitors, who dedicate their time and energy to this important work. Thanks to them, we can:

✅ Track chloride trends over time
✅ Identify problem areas for salt pollution
✅ Advocate for solutions that protect our freshwater resources

Their efforts are making a real difference, ensuring that our waters remain clean and vibrant for future generations.

A Huge Thank You to Our Citizen Scientists!

We are incredibly grateful to our volunteer monitors, who dedicate their time and energy to this important work. Thanks to them, we can:

✅ Track chloride trends over time

✅ Identify problem areas for salt pollution

✅ Advocate for solutions that protect our freshwater resources

Their efforts are making a real difference, ensuring that our waters remain clean and vibrant for future generations.

Want to Get Involved?

🚨 Volunteer Registration for 2025 is Currently Full 🚨

However, our Chloride Monitoring Program will return in Fall 2025! Keep an eye on our website and social media for future volunteer opportunities.

Together, we can take action to reduce salt pollution and protect our precious waterways.