Reduce salt use to help Wisconsin ecosystem

While salt keeps Wisconsin roads safe during winter, using more than needed comes with a hefty price, which is why the DNR is asking residents to reduce salt usage this winter and help improve Wisconsin’s freshwater ecosystems. The negative impacts of chlorides are highlighted during Wisconsin Salt Awareness Week, Jan. 11-15.

Throughout the week, Wisconsin Salt Wise will host daily livestreams on YouTube from 12:30-1 p.m., featuring experts on topics ranging from lake science to water softeners. Additionally, property managers can attend a virtual Smart Salting Training Thursday, Jan. 14.

In Wisconsin and much of the U.S., chlorides from salt are infiltrating lakes, streams and groundwater. These increased chloride levels have significant impacts on daily lives, including environmental and economic effects, corrosion of bridges, roads and other infrastructure, and even impacts on pets.

The DNR measures chloride levels in Wisconsin rivers, over time, monitoring cumulative chloride loading results at 26 of the state’s largest river systems. Recent studies have shown a steep increase in chloride loads. In the early 2000s, the DNR measured about 600,000 tons of chlorides annually. By 2018, that number increased to nearly 800,000 tons per year.

These increased chloride loads are due, in part, to road salting, but chlorides also enter Wisconsin waters, because of water softeners and fertilizers. Smart salt usage is the key to reducing chloride loads.

Wisconsinites are encouraged to practice cautious winter salting by using the following: • Clear walkways and other areas before the snow turns to ice. The more snow that is removed manually, the less salt will need to be used and the more effective it will be.

• When using salt, scatter it so that there is space between the grains. A coffee mug of salt is actually enough to treat an entire 20foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.

• When pavement temperatures drop below 15 degrees, salt won’t work. Switch to sand for traction or a different ice melter that works at lower temperatures.

For more information on the DNR’s efforts to monitor chlorides and reduce their effects, visit the DNR website.