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Salt impacts water. To stop salting completely may not be realistic but we all could use a little less.
How salt impacts water
When snow melts or when it rains, the salt placed on roads, parking lots and sidewalks to keep us safe washes into our waterways or travels underground. Over time, if we don't manage our winter salt use, salt levels will increase in the drinking water and cause it to taste salty.
Did you know... Salt includes all products with chloride? This includes most ice melters and de-icers as well as products labelled environmentally friendly.
Sand, grit or non-clumping kitty litter are good choices for traction or when it's too cold for the salt to work. For sand, look for a product with little (less than five per cent) or no salt. However if you want to melt the ice, alternatives to salt that do not impact water are hard to find.
No matter what you use to melt ice, clear the snow first and only use salt on icy areas following product directions for application rate and working temperature.
store unsalted snow where it won't melt on to paved areas
repair leaky downspouts and eaves troughs
direct downspouts away from walkways and driveways
clean eaves troughs of leaves and other debris
keep storm drains clear to remove snow melt
Business resources and programs
Mobility and slip and fall liability concerns are reasons we use salt even when it is not necessary. What you might not know is winter salt, including ice melters and de-icers, can damage concrete, flooring and landscaping; creating a poor first impression on clients.
Request a free closed sign for areas not requiring winter maintenance
Reducing salt use can be as simple as closing areas not required during the winter months such as outdoor patios, extra parking spaces, redundant walkways and stairways.
Closing areas can:
reduce slip and fall risks
protect your business from salt damage
protect our community’s drinking water
Does your business have areas you can close for the winter?
Download our worksheet to create a complete winter maintenance plan
Create a winter maintenance plan using this winter maintenance worksheet. Watch this video series to learn why it is important to have a complete winter maintenance plan and how to get started.
Video 1 of 3: winter maintenance - a new approach
Video 2 of 3: contract basics - setting your expectations
The Smart About Salt™ Council is a not-for-profit organization which offers training to improve winter salting practices on facilities and recognizes industry leaders through certification.
The Region of Waterloo requires staff and contractors responsible for winter maintenance of Region of Waterloo properties to complete Smart About Salt™ training.
Apply for stormwater credits to reduce your water utility bill
Your property may qualify for stormwater credits to save on your monthly utility bill by completing a winter maintenance plan and/or taking salt management training. Visit the city website where your property is located to learn more.
The Region of Waterloo Transportation Operations follows a comprehensive salt management plan. Learn more about how the Region is managing salt on roads.
