Think of groundwater before salting your property
This winter we are asking everyone to think of groundwater before salting your property.
Salt is a major water quality concern in Waterloo Region. The salt we spread on the ground doesn’t go away. It stays in the environment, damaging soil and waterways, as well as your plants and paved surfaces. But most importantly, it goes into the groundwater, our community’s drinking water.
When everyone uses a little less, together we can make a difference. Whether you are responsible for winter maintenance at work or clear snow where you live, here are some of the ways you can help.
Tips for businesses
- Walk your property to understand where ice forms and how to prevent it
- Use signs or barriers to close areas that don’t require winter maintenance
- Mandate that winter maintenance staff receive salt training
- Know where to store plowed snow so ice doesn’t form across your parking lot
- Have a plan to deal with ice when it is too cold for salt to work (around -10°C)
Tips for homes
- Shovel or plow the snow before it packs down and turns to ice
- If ice forms, break up with a steel chopper and clear away with a shovel
- Add traction with sand, grit or non-clumping kitty litter
- If salt is needed, spread evenly on icy areas only and give it time to work
You can help shift how we use salt… you may find you don’t need it at all! Find more information and resources on the Region of Waterloo’s salt management page.
Read the latest I Am Groundwater blog post, called “Who is responsible for all the salt on the ground?” Learn how everyone, to some degree, contributes to the problem but can also be part of the solution.
