After Road Salt Melts Snow, It Degrades Freshwater
Winter Salt Week – January 26-30, 2026
Every winter, tons of salt are spread on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks to keep us safe. But once the snow melts, that salt doesn’t disappear—it washes into our lakes, streams, and groundwater. Rising salt levels corrode infrastructure, stress wildlife, and pose risks to our drinking water supplies. Just a teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes five gallons of water.
Do your part to help protect our shared freshwater resources and make a pledge to follow the “4 S’s” this winter: Shovel, Scatter, Switch, Sweep:
- Shovel (or snow blow) and sweep as much snow as possible before spreading salt.
- If needed, Scatter salt so there is space in between the grains (no piles!).
- Switch from salt to sand (or a treated de-icer) if the temperature is under 15℉.
- Sweep up excess salt after the ice has melted.
Winter Salt Week will feature daily live streams from ecologists, winter maintenance contractors, and activists from across the United States. Tune in to learn more about the environmental toll of de-icers, private industry successes, engineering solutions, smart salting contracts, local monitoring efforts, and how individuals can get involved!
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