Winter means icy, snowy and slippery roads and the use of road salt to keep our vehicles and ourselves from slipping on roads, parking lots and sidewalks.
But conservation authorities continue to remind us about the harm too much salt can have on our drinking water sources and how we can salt responsibly.
Conservation Ontario says road salt enters the environment in several ways.
Snow is plowed to the road shoulder and meltwater either infiltrates through soil into the groundwater or runs off into drains and creeks or to stormwater management facilities with the chemicals eventually entering our natural water system which can impact our drinking water sources.
As well, climate change is resulting in more extreme weather patterns that may result in an increased use of winter maintenance chemicals.
In addition to surface water and groundwater, road salt can also impact vegetation, aquatic life, wildlife, and soils and can damage cars, concrete, clothing and footwear.
Quinte Conservation and Lower Trent Conservation each have suggestions to keep road salt out of our drinking sources:
– Choose a ‘green’ de-icing product or use sand, ash from a fireplace or kitty litter on slippery areas.
– Use de-icing materials in the amounts and as directed on the package.
– Redirect downspouts away from walkways and driveways to prevent ice buildup.
– Do not apply road salt when the temperature falls below -10 Celsius (14 Fahrenheit) as no melting will occur.
– Make time to shovel. Shoveling can be good exercise when done properly.
– Wear footwear designed for snow and ice to help prevent slips and falls.
– Put snow tires on your car.
– Give yourself extra time in the winter and help prevent slips, falls and car accidents.
– If you are using salt, you only need around a coffee mug full for every 20 feet.
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