Use salt responsibly to protect drinking water sources

Salt is necessary to prevent slippery conditions, but using it improperly can harm our drinking water sources. Too much salt can run off into water sources, affecting our drinking water quality.

Follow these strategies for the proper use of salt:

• Shovel as soon as possible during or after a snowfall to prevent ice from developing.
• Redirect downspouts away from walkways and driveways to prevent ice and runoff.
• Store snow so that it will not run across paved surfaces towards catchbasins or ditches.
• Use only what you need to melt the snow or ice on your driveway or sidewalk—do not over salt.
• Salt is best used between 0° and -12° C. Salt does not work below -18° C.
• Do not apply salt if it is raining or if rain is expected.
• If you use too much salt, sweep it up and return it to a safe storage area—it will still be effective next time you use it!

 Learn more about protecting local drinking water sources.