Sidewalk salt: It’ll keep you on your feet, but too much is bad for lakes and rivers
Submitted by Lori Carlson on November 29, 2010 - 6:00am, Prior Lake American
By Dan Miller, Guest Commentary
Where does sidewalk salt go after it melts the ice and snow on our driveways and sidewalks?
This salty water flows into our storm ponds, wetlands, rivers and lakes. And high concentrations of sidewalk salt (sodium chloride) in our water negatively affect wildlife habitat and water quality, including the water we drink.
This winter, we can protect our water resources by trying these snow season tips:
* Use shovels, snow blowers and ice scrapers to remove snow and ice.
* Use de-icers like sidewalk salt sparingly and clean up any extra.
* Save the leftover sidewalk salt to use again after another snowfall.
* Buy environmentally friendly de-icers, which are better for our water, pets and landscapes.
* If you notice excess salt on a parking lot or sidewalk near you, talk to the property owner about safer alternatives.
Our lakes and rivers may freeze over this winter, but we still need to remember that what we put on our driveways and sidewalks will eventually end up in the nearest lake or river. Clean driveways and sidewalks mean clean water.
Dan Miller is coordinator for the Scott Clean Water Education Program. Contact Dan at (952)492-5424 or dmiller@co.scott.mn.us.
This salty water flows into our storm ponds, wetlands, rivers and lakes. And high concentrations of sidewalk salt (sodium chloride) in our water negatively affect wildlife habitat and water quality, including the water we drink.
This winter, we can protect our water resources by trying these snow season tips:
* Use shovels, snow blowers and ice scrapers to remove snow and ice.
* Use de-icers like sidewalk salt sparingly and clean up any extra.
* Save the leftover sidewalk salt to use again after another snowfall.
* Buy environmentally friendly de-icers, which are better for our water, pets and landscapes.
* Treat the pavement before a snowfall with liquid salt brine (23-percent salt mixed with water).
Our lakes and rivers may freeze over this winter, but we still need to remember that what we put on our driveways and sidewalks will eventually end up in the nearest lake or river. Clean driveways and sidewalks mean clean water.
Dan Miller is coordinator for the Scott Clean Water Education Program. Contact Dan at (952)492-5424 or dmiller@co.scott.mn.us.
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