(UNDATED) Road salt helps keep Wisconsin moving in winter, but state officials warn too much of it is seeping into lakes, rivers and even drinking water.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging residents and communities to cut back after new data showed chloride pollution from salt continues to climb across the state.
Chlorides from road salt, water softeners and fertilizers are seeping into waterways at alarming levels. The DNR estimates Wisconsin waterways carried about 600,000 tons of chlorides each year in the early 2000s. By 2018, that number had risen to nearly 800,000 tons annually. Fifty rivers and streams and one lake are now considered impaired because of high chloride concentrations.
“All 43 long-term water quality monitoring sites across Wisconsin are showing increases in chlorides,” said Shannon Haydin, the DNR’s storm water section manager. She said chlorides never break down once they enter the environment and can harm fish, aquatic life and human health.
Scientists say even small amounts can be dangerous. According to Wisconsin Salt Wise, just one teaspoon of salt can make five gallons of water toxic to freshwater organisms.
The impacts go beyond the environment. Nationwide, winter salt causes an estimated $5 billion in damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure each year due to corrosion. It can also irritate pets’ paws and cause health issues if ingested.
Drinking water is another concern. Since 2004, 38 percent of Wisconsin community wells have exceeded the state’s recommended sodium level for people on low-salt diets at least once, potentially affecting residents managing heart disease or other conditions.
The DNR says reducing salt use at home can make a real difference. Clearing snow early, using less salt than most people think they need and switching to sand or alternative ice melters during extreme cold can significantly cut chloride pollution.
At the state level, the DNR is working with municipalities and industries to limit chlorides at the source, while the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is reducing road salt use through brining and pre-wetting techniques.
More information about salt reduction efforts and water monitoring is available through the DNR’s Salt and Storm Water program.
