The Impact of Salt on our Waterways

This story was featured in the Northfield News, Faribault Daily News, Owatonna People’s Press, and Londsdale News Review

Did you know that the salt we use to break down ice can pollute our local lakes, streams, and wetlands and threaten aquatic life?

Minnesota winters can be brutal, with bone-chilling cold and icy conditions making travel treacherous. To combat this, salt is used extensively for months on end to melt ice and keep roads and walkways safe. The most common type of salt used is sodium chloride, also known as 'rock salt,' which works by lowering the freezing point of water. However, the heavy use of salt on pavement and concrete can lead to elevated chloride concentrations in local waterways, posing environmental concerns.

When snow and ice melt, the salt used to de-ice roads often ends up in our waterways, where it can wreak havoc on the environment. High chloride levels can harm plants, compact soil, and even poison freshwater aquatic life. It's the little guys like macroinvertebrates that really suffer, and when they're gone, the whole ecosystem feels the impact. Without them, we could see more algae, less oxygen, and a disrupted food chain. This should be a cause for concern and a motivation to change our habits.

Residents living in the snow belt play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of salt usage. By following the 'Shovel, Scatter, and Sweep' approach, you can make a real difference in your community. Start by shoveling early and often to prevent snow from turning into ice. Use salt carefully—a 12-oz. mug is enough for a 20-foot-long driveway or ten sidewalk squares. And don't forget to sweep up any extra salt after a storm—you can store it for next time! Your actions matter and can help protect our local waterways.