According to the
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, road salt can help with icy roads, but it can also harm our waterways. Road salts travel from sidewalks and roads and eventually enter our waterways where wildlife can be harmed. Using too much salt can also corrode vehicles, hurt animal paws, damage concrete and kill plants.
Follow these tips when salting:
- Shovel first. Salt should only be used after the snow is removed and only in areas needed for safety.
- Size matters. More salt does not mean more melting. A 12-ounce coffee mug of salt should be enough for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares (250 square feet).
- Spread. Distribute salt evenly, not in clumps. Clumped salt is wasted salt!
- Sweep. If salt is leftover on the ground after the ice melts, then too much salt was used. Sweep up leftover salt to keep it out of local rivers and streams.
- Switch. Untreated salt stops working if the temperature is below 15 degrees. When temperatures drop that low, switch to sand for traction or choose a different deicer formulated for colder temperatures.