Protect Water And Ecosystems This Winter By Salting Smart

Winter salting practices play a critical role in both public safety and environmental health.

Why Should I Salt Smart This Winter?

It only takes 1 tsp of salt to permanently pollute 5 gallons of water.
Too much salt is harmful to drinking water, aquatic life, plants, soil, pets, wildlife, and infrastructure.
Many lakes and streams in the Twin Cities metro area already have chloride (salt) levels above state standards. Once salt is dissolved in water, there’s no effective way to get it out.

Shovel: Shoveling early and often makes the snow easier to remove, reduces compaction, and limits the chance it will turn to ice.
Sand: Sand is an effective alternative to salt, especially when temperatures are too cold, as most salt doesn’t work below 15 degrees.
Scoop and scatter: If you need to use salt, scatter the salt lightly only where needed, and aim for 3 to 4 inches of space between each grain of salt.
Sweep: Sweep up leftover salt for future use and to keep it from entering storm drains and surface waters.