Hold the Salt
Road Salt is Bad for the River
One of the final improvements to the water quality standards that govern the Chicago River system is a new level for chlorides intended to reduce the impact the decades' long increase in the use of road salt has had on the river system. The new standard, 500 milligrams per liter year round (as of 2018), will promote healthier environment that does not interfere with the life cycles of aquatic life.
How you can help
Friends of the Chicago River has teamed up with the Conservation Foundation’s Winter Chloride Watchers Program to help protect our waterways through volunteer community science by collecting water samples and gathering important data over the winter season. As a volunteer Winter Chloride Watcher, you will learn the basics of chloride monitoring and take part in water testing at a local river or stream. With this data, we will gain a clearer picture of how chlorides affect aquatic life and how salt-smart winter practices can reduce the amount of chlorides that reach waterways. Sign up to join and make a difference!
Go Easy on the Salt
Roadway managers, municipalities and private contractors can find the best road management practices at Salt Smart to reduce salt usage while maintaining safe roads. Homeowners can use less salt when clearing sidewalks or driveways and be mindful of how much salt they use.
How to use salt and clear a sidewalk
- Shovel first - Salt should only be used after the snow is removed and only in areas needed for safety.
- Use sparingly - More salt does not mean more melting. A 12-ounce coffee mug should be enough salt 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 left over on the ground after the ice melts, you used too much! Sweep up leftover salt to keep it out of rivers and streams.
- Switch - Salt stops working if the temperature drops below 15 degrees. When it gets this cold, switch to sand.
Salt alternatives
Salt is intended to break the bond between snow and the pavement, not melt the ice. If salt is necessary, consider buying deicing products that are less harmful to the environment.
Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are considered greener options. Calcium magnesium acetate and potassium acetate can also be used instead of salt. These options can be found at home improvement stores.
Another option is to make a brine by mixing salt with water and then cover sidewalks with it before the snow falls.
However, since no salt product is good for the environment, the best option is to just go easy on the salt!
