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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.
The Ontario Drinking Water Objective for chloride is 250 mg/L. This is when a salty taste is detectable. To meet the 250 mg/L objective, water from wells with higher chloride levels is mixed with water from wells.
The map below compare chloride levels at Region of Waterloo well sites for 1973 and 2014.
Red dots with chloride levels greater than 400 mg/L
Orange dots with chloride levels between 200 to 400 mg/L
Yellow dots with chloride levels between 100 to 200 mg/L
Green dots with chloride levels below 100 mg/L
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 you call it salt or ice melter, or it is labelled environmentally or pet friendly or 100% natural, it most likely contains chloride and is salt.
Here are a few tips to help you cut down on salt:
clear the snow as soon as possible before it packs down and turns to ice
remove ice using an ice chopper
add traction where needed with sand, grit or non-clumping kitty litter
use small amounts of salt on icy areas only and give it time to work
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
Reduce salt use by closing areas not needed during the winter months that do not compromise accessibility or access to fire exits. Outdoor patios, extra parking spaces, redundant walkways and stairways are 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
Video 3 of 3: preventing ice before it occurs
Take salt management training
Training provides your team with the know how to maintain safety no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. Your entire team should receive training at the beginning of the season, and for new employees when they join the team.
Training should include:
An understanding of the level of service agreement for each property including property site maps and routes
Operation of equipment including adjusting salt spreading rates for weather conditions
Use of salt and other de-icing materials including how they work, what to use when, application rates and damage caused from over applying
Proper handling of salt and cleaning up excess and spilled salt
Apply for stormwater credits to reduce your water utility bill
Following a winter maintenance plan or taking salt management training may quality for your property for stormwater credits to save on your utility bill. Visit the city website where your property is located to learn more.
