Winter salt helps keep sidewalks and roads safe, but too much salt harms drinking water, aquatic life, soil, pets, and infrastructure. Just 1 teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute 5 gallons of water, and many Twin Cities lakes and streams already exceed safe chloride (salt) levels.
You can do your part by following these tips:
- shovel early and often to prevent ice from forming
- sand is a great alternative when it’s below 15 degrees
- scatter salt lightly and leave about 2-3 inches between each grain
- sweep up leftover salt for reuse and to keep it out of storm drains
www.goldenvalleymn.gov/Salt-Use