Preserve fresh water – salt smart

Did you know that one teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes five gallons of water?

We use de-icing salt to keep our roads, driveways, and sidewalks safe during the winter. However, that salt (chloride) can easily flow into our lakes and rivers through storm drains, harming our freshwater ecosystems. It’s toxic to freshwater flora and fauna and can’t be removed from water through common treatment methods. It can also seep into groundwater through soil pores, affecting our drinking water quality. With such a limited amount of freshwater on planet Earth, it’s important to preserve it.

The Vermillion River Watershed does not currently have any waterbodies impaired for chloride, but some reaches are listed as “high risk” for impairment. Let’s buck the trend and prevent impairments while we can. Here are some things you can do to stay safe and keep our freshwater fresh – and save some money along the way:

  • Wear adequate shoes for traction on ice. Be extra careful while walking on icy surfaces – think of how penguins walk.
  • Shovel first and early. Icy patches form when water from snowmelt refreezes during temperature fluctuations. The more snow you remove right away, the less ice will form, reducing the amount of salt you need.
  • Check the temperature. When it’s less than 150F outside, it’s too cold for salt to work. Use sand or grit for traction instead.
  • Use less salt than you might think you need. More salt doesn’t always mean more melting. One 12-ounce cup of salt is enough to cover 10 sidewalk squares. Leave about three inches between each salt granule.
  • Sweep up any excess salt once the location is clear of ice and store it somewhere safe for reuse.

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