Salt Management

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.

This map shows chloride levels in Region of Waterloo production wells.

Six ways you can help.

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.

Watch the video or read these tips to keep your sidewalk clear.

• Clear the snow
  • clear the snow as soon as possible so it doesn't become packed down and turn to ice
  • use a broom to sweep up snow left behind
  • do not use salt to melt snow
• Treat icy areas only
  • remove ice with a steel chopper
  • use grit, non-clumping kitty litter or sand to reduce the potential to slip and when it's too cold for salt to work
  • sprinkle salt on icy areas only and give it time to work before clearing ice
  • follow salt or de-icer directions for working temperature and application rate
• Properly store and clean up excess salt
  • empty leftover salt from your scoop or bucket back into the bag, and not on the ground
  • sweep up excess applied salt to save for another time
  • salt does not expire - store left over salt to use next winter
• Deal with the water before it turns to ice
  • 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

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.

Getting around this winter

• when walking:
  • wear a pair of winter boots with good tread
  • learn how to rate your tread
• when cycling:
• consider installing fenders and switching to tires suitable for winter cycling
• make yourself visible with a bright jacket and lights on your bike
• check your brake pads and think about using winter-specific pads
• when driving:
  • instead of driving, consider taking public transportation
  • consider switching your all-season tires to winter tires. In many cases, you'll have better traction and two sets of tires that last twice as long.
  • allow for extra time to arrive at your destination
  • drive for the conditions. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance as road conditions and visibility worsen.
  • visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website for more winter driving tips

Salting Shift blog : tips and tricks to enjoying winter

• The science behind how salt works
• 7 damaging impacts of winter salt you might not know about
• 10 helpful hacks for clearing snow and ice
• 5 questions you should ask yourself before salting
• How to stay winter-active living in Waterloo Region
• How to run in the winter: advice from runners in Waterloo Region
• 5 winter science activities you can try with your kids
• What you need to know before purchasing winter salt or ice melter
• Learn how the right pair of boots could reduce your risk of slips and falls
• What to do with winter salt at the end of the season

Water Softeners: If you have a water softener, you can help reduce the amount of salt going into the Grand River by using an efficient water softener set for the correct water hardness in your area. Learn more about water softeners and to find the water hardness for your area.