Protect drinking water sources from Road Salt and Snow Storage

Salt Storage
Improperly stored salt can contaminate soil, surface water, and groundwater and cause harm to fish and aquatic ecosystems.
Stored salt should be protected from rain or snowmelt and be located where it cannot mix with run-off that flows into a watercourse or storm drain.

Snow Disposal
Plowed snow can contain road salt and other contaminants. If plowed snow is dumped into a watercourse, it can contaminate drinking water sources, harm fish and aquatic ecosystems.

Use on Roadways
When roads are wetted before application, salt adheres better to the road and is more likely to remain on the surface which increases road safety and decreases the environmental contamination. Salt may also be used as dust suppressant on gravel roads in the non-winter season.

• Use salt alternatives such as sand or non-clumping kitty litter.
• Don’t over salt and use only what’s needed to melt the snow or ice on your driveway or sidewalk.
• Shovel or sweep as soon as possible after or during a snowfall to limit snow and ice accumulation.
• Pile snow where it won’t melt across paved surfaces where it can re-freeze.
• Apply salt on icy areas only and allow time for it to work. Salt doesn’t work below -10 °C.
• Do not apply salt if it is raining or if rain is expected as it will only wash away.
• Direct downspouts away from driveways and sidewalks.
• Clear storm drains to avoid blockages that can cause snow and meltwater to accumulate and freeze.
• Sweep up loose salt, sand and de-icer to prevent it from entering watercourses as runoff when a melt occurs and return to your storage area for future use.
• Store salt in covered containers or sealed bags

Stored salt can contaminate drinking water sources if it is not protected from rain or snowmelt.

• Ensure salt is stored in a covered or sealed waterproof container or building
• Store liquid de-icing chemicals on waterproof pads in tanks protected by cement posts/walls.