Safeguarding Our Environment: The Responsible Use of Winter Salt

Protecting Our Environment: The Responsible Use of Winter Salt

As snowstorms approach, residents and businesses often reach for road salt to keep sidewalks and streets safe. However, the overuse of salt can lead to significant environmental issues beyond the winter season. New Jersey American Water and The Watershed Institute are sounding the alarm about the possible long-term consequences of excessive salt usage, urging us to adopt more responsible practices.

The Importance of Responsible Salt Use

In many parts of New Jersey, the winter months can be harsh, creating hazardous conditions on the roads. Salt is commonly applied to melt ice, ensuring safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. Yet, as effective as it is for de-icing, the environmental implications can be severe. Runoff from accumulated salt can contaminate drinking water sources, rivers, and streams.

"Salt doesn’t simply vanish; it migrates into our waterways and groundwater systems," highlighted Shawn M. LaTourette, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). She emphasized that rising chloride levels in water bodies have disruptive effects on aquatic ecosystems and can be challenging for drinking water systems to treat.

Moreover, higher-than-necessary sodium and chloride levels can lead to a noticeable, albeit not hazardous, salty taste in tap water for some residents. Therefore, the push for responsible salt usage is critical—not just for the environment but for public health as well.

Long-term Effects Beyond Winter

The detrimental effects of overusing salt extend beyond the snowy months. Post-winter, residual salt can have persistent impacts, particularly during dry spells. Seasonal increases in salinity can disrupt aquatic life and contribute to harmful algal blooms in rivers and lakes, which can further deteriorate water quality throughout the year.

Erin Stretz, assistant director of science at The Watershed Institute, noted, "High salt levels can exacerbate problems during summer months, harming aquatic ecosystems and public water sources. It’s a cycle that lasts well beyond the winter season."

Winter Salt Week 2026

In an effort to combat these issues, the upcoming Winter Salt Week 2026, taking place from January 26 to 30, promotes awareness around responsible winter salt usage. Spearheaded by Wisconsin Salt Wise in collaboration with utility companies and environmental advocates, this initiative offers education and community involvement aimed at changing salting habits for the better.

The emphasis during this week is that there’s a balance to be struck between safety and sustainability. Small, mindful adjustments in how we apply salt can lead to significant benefits for our environment, waterways, and long-term public health.

Practical Tips for Responsible Salt Use

To bolster this initiative, experts have compiled a list of simple, effective steps residents and municipalities can take to minimize environmental impact while still maintaining safety:

1. Shovel First: Clearing snow before it becomes icy can reduce the need for salt.
2. Use Only What’s Necessary: A coffee mug filled with approximately one pound of salt is sufficient for a 20-foot-long driveway.
3. Spread Efficiently: Leave gaps of about three inches between granules for effective coverage.
4. Sweep Up Excess: Remove any leftover salt from pavement to prevent runoff once the snow melts.
5. Switch to Brine: Using a liquid brine can lower total salt application by 30-50% compared to traditional salt methods.
6. Reassess Contracts: Encourage snow-removal contractors to base payments on areas cleared rather than the amount of salt used.

Residents can also engage with local programs like NJ Salt Watch, a community science initiative backed by the NJDEP and The Watershed Institute, allowing them to track and report the consequences of road salt on local water bodies.

Stay Informed

By participating in educational webinars and accessing resources available during Winter Salt Week, community members can gain valuable insights into coping with winter conditions sustainably. The practices and knowledge gained from this initiative can help safeguard both our immediate environment and the essential resources we rely on year-round.

For more information about the campaign and to register for upcoming webinars, visit Winter Salt Week and learn how your efforts can make a difference in protecting waterways.

Both New Jersey American Water and The Watershed Institute are committed to ensuring that our state’s water remains clean, safe, and healthy for future generations. Let’s make this winter safe while still preserving our beautiful environment for years to come.