Tips on Reducing Salt Usage this Winter

Submitted by Anne Kiehl

During this season of snowstorms and freezing temperatures, it is not uncommon to see streets and sidewalks whitewashed with a layer of de-icing salt.  Unfortunately, this salt can be swept up by surface water runoff and end up in local streams and rivers.  Testing done by the Little Falls Watershed Alliance (LFWA) in 2018 and 2019 showed a marked increase in salt levels in the Little Falls Creek after snow events. The LFWA asserts that one of the reasons for the increase in salinity is the use of salt on local roads.  This salinity increase can pose risks to our local ecosystem and water quality.  You can read about the LFWA’s testing here: https://www.lfwa.org/updates/salt-roads-contaminating-little-falls-creek
 
As residents, we can help our local watershed by reducing our own salt usage and treating our sidewalks, walkways and driveways safely.  You can find more information and treatment recommendations at the following links: 
 
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/programs/hgic/HGIC_Pubs/non-HGIC_pubs/FS707%20Melting%20Ice%20Safely_2018.pdf
 
https://www.chesapeakebay.net/action/howtotips/article/how_to_deice_the_bay_friendly_way?fbclid=IwAR2dxwvmlWegsLTd62d1G8nxuviI6dQo4gAXt69gj8Sxz58mhuevAwlU1Us
 

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