salt ➡️

Use Salt to Melt Ice? Here Are Some Tips So You Don’t Pollute Your Favorite Lakes and Rivers!

Water is part of who we are in Minnesota. But lakes and creeks in our cities are getting salty. Fifty lakes and streams in Minnesota have tested above EPA standards for salt!

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Salt is applied to roads and walkways to melt ice and snow every winter across much of the US. As melting occurs, the salt dissolves and drains along with the water, usually into a storm drain - and most storm drains go directly into local waterways.

Salt buildup is hurting aquatic life and the health of our surface waters. Over time, chloride will work its way into groundwater as well. It is difficult and very expensive to remove chloride from tap water - and our drinking water sources are getting saltier every year.

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Maryland's Current Salt Practices (and lessons from other states)

September 29, 2021 | By Tiffany Bui

Unfortunately, only a few states have policies regarding the recovery and disposal of road salt. This post delves into Maryland salt management practices compared to those in other states.

An image showing Maryland's changing salt practices

Environmental Effects of Salt

September 29, 2021 | By Tiffany Bui

While it is possible for salt levels to stabilize in freshwater systems, this will take decades of stabilized and reduced road salt usage. This problem will only grow more difficult to fix if action is not taken.

Salt: Health and Safety

September 29, 2021 | By Tiffany Bui

Excess salt in the environment does not only threaten safety when it is consumed. Corrosion costs more than $22 billion each year to just the public water supply alone. In addition, chlorides can damage bridges, pavement, cars, and storm water facilities, leading to a host of different safety concerns.

How Salt Gets in the Environment

September 29, 2021 | By Emily Ranson and Tiffany Bui

Human inputs of salt increase concentrations far beyond naturally occurring levels, threatening ecosystem balance. While salt can enter the environment through many different activities, road salt usage is the most significant contributor to salt pollution.

How Salty is Maryland?

September 29, 2021 | By Emily Ranson and Tiffany Bui

The Potomac River, which supplies drinking water to more than 5 million people, is three times saltier than 30 years ago. It is crucial that we halt this trend before more people lose access to safe drinking water.