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We know we could all use a little less this winter
Salt is damaging to our environment including water quality. Over time the salt we put on the ground can end up in our drinking water and cause it to taste salty. After the salt melts the ice it doesn't go away. Salt may soak into the ground to mix with groundwater or drain into a storm basin that empties into a local waterway. For ideas on using less salt watch this snow and ice clearing video and visit Engage Region of Waterloo to submit questions and share ideas.
Help keep salt out of our water:
join the #SaltingShift conversation on social media
try our snow and ice clearing tips to cut down on salt
encourage businesses to use salting best practices
Chloride in salt is damaging to water quality. Over time the salt we put on the ground can end up in our drinking water and cause it to taste salty. After the salt melts the ice, the chloride in the salt may soak into the ground to mix with groundwater - a source for our drinking water.
The Ontario Drinking Water Objective for chloride is 250 mg/L. This is when a salty taste is detectable. The dots in the map below compare chloride levels at Region of Waterloo well sites in 1973 and 2014.
Red = greater than 400 mg/L
Orange = 200 to 400 mg/L
Yellow = 100 to 200 mg/L
Green = below 100 mg/L
To meet the Ontario Drinking Water Objective for chloride, water from wells with higher chloride levels is mixed with water from other wells.
What to use instead of salt
Salt removes ice by lowering the freezing temperature of water. Non-salt options that melt ice are hard to find. Whether a product is salt, ice melter, de-icer or it says it is environmentally friendly, pet-friendly or 100% natural, it most likely contains chloride and is salt.
Sand, grit or non-clumping kitty litter won't melt the ice but are good choices for traction or when it is colder than -10° Celsius when salt isn't effective at melting the ice.
What you might not know about salt
Most products that melt ice are damaging to water. Before using salt it's important to know:
salt works best between 0° and -10° Celsius. When colder, switch to a traction aid like sand. It won't melt the ice but will provide traction to reduce the potential to slip.
in many cases, about one tablespoon of salt for a one-metre square area (about the size of a sidewalk slab) is all you need.
choose a product with a smaller grain. It will spread more evenly, requires less salt and will work faster.
salt is for ice only. Do not use salt to melt snow.
salt needs time to work. Even when you can't see it any more, it is still hard at work melting ice.
salt does not expire. Sweep up spilled and excess applied salt to save for another time.
Request your free sign to close areas instead of salting
Businesses can reduce salt use by closing areas not needed during the winter months. Outdoor patios, extra parking spaces, redundant walkways and stairways that do not compromise accessibility or access to fire exits, are just a few examples of areas to close.
Closing areas can reduce slip and fall hazards, protect your property from salt damage and protect our community's drinking water.
Download your free winter maintenance plan worksheet
Create a winter maintenance plan using this winter maintenance worksheet. The video series outlines the importance of completing a 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. Participating cities:
