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Waterloo Region relies on groundwater for drinking water. 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. It may soak into the ground to mix with groundwater (our drinking water) or enter a storm basin that connects with the local waterway.
Chloride levels from salt and ice melter are increasing in groundwater wells (our drinking water). Overtime this could make our drinking water taste salty.
Chloride is highly soluble. Once it dissolves in water there's really no effective way to remove it. Current water and wastewater treatment does not remove chloride from the water.
A salty taste is detectable when chloride levels reach 250 milligrams per litre. The below image shows chloride levels in Region of Waterloo municipal groundwater wells between 1998 and 2018.
What you can do to use less salt
A traction aid such as sand can help provide grip but will not melt the ice. If the product melts ice it most likely contains chloride and is damaging to water quality. This includes salt and ice melter products labelled environmentally, pet and plant friendly.
Do not use salt or ice melter to melt snow. Salt and ice melter are for ice only. Shovel or plow the snow.
Salt works best between 0 and -10 Celsius. When colder, switch to a traction aid such as sand or an ice melter that works at colder temperatures.
Sprinkle salt on icy areas only. 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.
Give salt time to work. Even when you can't see it any more, salt is still hard at work melting the ice.
Choose a product with a smaller grain. It will spread more evenly, requires less salt and will work faster.
Salt does not expire. Sweep up spilled and excess applied salt to save for another time.
Snow and ice clearing tips
It is quite possible to reduce slip and fall hazards and protect your property and our community's drinking water from the damaging impacts of salt.
for residential properties
Shovel or plow the snow as soon as you can before it packs down and turns to ice
Break up ice with a steel ice chopper and then clear away ice with a shovel
Add traction when needed with sand, grit or non-clumping kitty litter
If salt is required, sprinkle small amounts on icy areas only and give it time to work before clearing the ice
Review your winter maintenance contract. Make sure your agreement includes salt training for anyone salting your property, access to the contractor's application records and a review of how you're billed for your salt. Salt charged by unit price per event or lump sum per season, instead of by unlimited use, ensures both a practical and economical use of salt.
Close areas instead of salting. Close areas not required in winter such as outdoor patios, overflow parking and extra walkways and stairs. This can greatly reduce salt application without reducing access to your building.
Prevent ice from forming. Stop stormwater and melted snow from freezing across paved areas. Redirect downspouts away from walkways and parking lots, fix leaky eaves troughs and place your snow pile on the lower section of the property near a storm basin.
Have a plan for colder temperatures. How will you deal with the ice when it is too cold for salt to work?
