Join Dakota County and local watershed organizations in sampling for chloride in water. Stop by a Dakota County Library branch to pick up sampling materials and learn how you can use less salt and reduce chloride pollution while staying safe this winter.

Chloride levels in Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and groundwater are increasing over time, largely attributed to overuse of de-icing salt. One teaspoon of salt pollutes five gallons of water, with no feasible way to remove it. Salt damages property and the environment, harms aquatic species and impacts drinking water quality.

With friends or family, collect a water sample from a local lake, stream, or wetland and test it for chloride using the Izaak Walton League of America’s Salt Watch Kit. Choose any Dakota County library and sign up to collect testing supplies at that location Jan. 27 – 31.

Your testing kit will include a list and map of streams, ponds or wetlands near the libraries where you can collect a water sample from. Report the data/share the results to the Clean Water Hub. All materials needed and instructions will be provided by the county.

Participating library branches include:

• Burnhaven Library (Burnsville)
• Farmington Library (Farmington)
• Galaxie Library (Apple Valley)
• Heritage Library (Lakeville)
• Inver Glen Library (Inver Grove Heights)
• Kaposia Library (South St. Paul)
• Pleasant Hill Library (Hastings)
• Robert Trail Library (Rosemount)
• Wentworth Library (West St. Paul)
• Wescott Library (Eagan)

While at your favorite Dakota County library:

• Browse book displays on winter topics. Pick up a bookmark with the book lists.
• Have fun on a scavenger hunt.
• Learn how to be a Smart Salter and pick up a cup to use the right amount of salt if it is needed.
• Know what watershed you live in and how you can help protect local water resources.
• Kids activities include Salty Dawg activity book, temporary tattoos, origami and buttons!
• Learn from Salty Dawg and take the pledge to be a Smart Salter. Find more information about the pledge at all library branches and on the Dakota County website

More information about Winter Salt Week

Winter Salt Week is January 27-31, 2025. This event is a collaboration of governmental and non-governmental organizations across the United States and Canada. Winter salt use damages infrastructure and threatens the health of lakes, streams and drinking water. The goal of the event is to engage with Minnesotans on chloride pollution in your community and continue ‘working to keep freshwater fresh.’

Visit www.wintersaltweek.org for more information and to learn about the daily webinars including Minnesota speakers providing public works perspectives and presenting on the policy solutions panel.

Program Contact

Lindsey Albright, Monitoring and Outreach Coordinator, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District – lindsey.albright@co.dakota.mn.us

Winter safety tips:

• Wait until roads are safe to travel before driving to a sample location.
• Wear crampons or shoes with good traction.
• Approach water where the ground is flat and not slippery.
• NEVER walk on the ice over the water.
• Sample where ice is thin enough to easily break through and reachable from a stable spot on the bank.
• When in doubt, come back when conditions improve.

General safety tips:

• Wear fluorescent clothing when sampling during hunting season or along a roadway.
• Dress appropriately for weather conditions.
• Be sure to sample on public property or secure landowner permission first.
• Park carefully when sampling near a roadway.
• Go with a partner or make sure someone knows where you are going and when you are expected to return.