Smart Salting

What is the issue with salt and how does it work?

Did you know that one teaspoon of salt pollutes 5 gallons of water FOREVER? When de-icing salt (learn more about chloride) enters bodies of water, there is no easy way to remove it. Salt use has been on the rise since the 1950s, leading to waters becoming increasingly salty. Chloride levels have become so high that many creeks and lakes are now considered unhealthy and have been added to Minnesota’s impaired waters list for chloride pollution. Explore Minnesota’s impaired waters

Luckily, there are actions we can take to help improve water quality. For example, Hennepin County has significantly decreased reliance on salt since the 1990s and continues to do so through better materials, better technology, better practices and more. Find more resources on snow and ice removal from Hennepin County.

Sodium chloride is the most commonly used type of salt for de-icing roads, sidewalks, parking lots and driveways.  However, other de-icing salts used as well such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. Salts can be applied onto icy surfaces, lowering the melting point of water which prevents ice from forming and keeps snow more plowable.

What are the limitations and impacts of salt?

The minimum practical application range for sodium chloride is a pavement temperature of about 15° F and above. Selecting the correct type of de-icing salt for the temperature is key to achieve the desired outcome. Always be sure to check the temperature before selecting which de-icing salt works best for conditions.

1tsp contaminates 5gal water

Salt has various negative impacts including:

  • Groundwater Contamination: Excessive salt affects taste and healthfulness of ground water.
  • Harm to Aquatic Life: High chloride levels are toxic to fish, insects, amphibians, and can disrupt freshwater ecosystems.
  • Damage to Vegetation: Salt harms trees, plants, and aquatic vegetation in streams, lakes, and wetlands.
  • Pet Risks: Salt can cause illness or irritation if consumed or if it comes into contact with pets.
  • Infrastructure Corrosion: Chloride corrodes infrastructure, increasing road maintenance costs.

How to Reduce Salt Use: Be a smart salter! Shovel, Scrape, Repeat!

  1. Clear walkways before snow turns to ice with a shovel or other tool. 
  2. Then apply salt only if needed while keeping in mind to select the right deicer for the temperature. If possible, only use salt where it is critical, for example frequented sidewalks or stairways. 
  3. Spread the salt, aiming for three inches of space between granules. 
  4. Clean up excess salt, sand, and deicers to reuse.  

Proper Storage of De-icing Salts

Deicing materials need to be stored in a waterproof container placed in a dry, covered area safe from rain, snow, and water sources. Improper storage or use of salt and de-icing materials could be sources of illicit discharge into public waterways which is not permitted.  Read more in Chapter 35 of City Ordinance.

Salt Container