De-icing salts lower the freezing point of water on the pavement, which melts or prevents the formation of ice. De-icing salts can improve safety, but they also contain chemicals that can damage nearby plants, soils, and infrastructure. When these chemicals are carried away by melts to our rivers and streams, they can harm water quality and wildlife. Just one teaspoon of salt can pollute five gallons of water! Follow these tips when de-icing to reduce pollution:

• Before salting, clear snow and ice.
• Apply salt sparingly on icy patches, leaving about three inches between salt grains. Focus on areas with high foot traffic.
• If there is salt left on the pavement after thaws, sweep it up.
• Minimize use of sodium chloride (rock salt), calcium chloride, and potassium chloride. They release high amounts of chloride when dissolved in water. Instead, consider using magnesium chloride products.
• To curb salt use, mix in beet or pickle juice.
  To increase traction, sprinkle sand with or without salt. Sweep up the sand later so that it does not clog storm drains or pollute rivers and streams.

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