MADISON, WI (KDAL) – In an effort to teach the public about the impact that road salt has on drinking water and the freshwater ecosystem, the Wisconsin DNR has named this Salt Awareness Week.
Monday through Friday, there will be a series of live streams on You Tube focusing on the damage that chlorides from salt can do as it infiltrates lakes, streams and groundwater in Wisconsin and around much of the country.
Although salt helps to keep roads and sidewalks clear of ice in the winter, using more than is needed is having a negative environmental and economic effects.
Nationwide, winter salting causes 5 billion dollars in corrosion and other damage to infrastructure each year.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is working with counties to reduce road salt applications by using brine and pre-wetting road surfaces.
Residents can help out by minimizing salt use on sidewalks and driveways. When using salt, scatter it so there is space between the grains.
The DNR says a 12 ounce coffee cup of salt is enough to treat an entire 20 foot driveway or ten sidewalk squares. Switch to sand or a different ice melter for traction when the temperature is below 15, when salt is not as effective.
Speakers will address Salt Awareness Week topics on a You Tube live stream each day this week from 12:30 to 1 p-m.
