Winter Salt
Be Winter Salt Smart!
In the winter, salt keeps us safe while we are on the move, but it also leads to higher levels of salt in the region’s drinking water supply, including the Potomac River and Occoquan Reservoir. Learn more and be winter salt smart!
Check out these flyers to learn more about snow and ice management! |
---|
Resident Snow and Ice Management Tips |
Property Management Snow and Ice Management Tips |
What is winter salt?
Winter salt is rock salt (sodium chloride) or ice melt (a blend of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride and other salt). These materials are used in the winter to prevent icing of sidewalks, parking lots and roadways.
What are the benefits of winter salt use?
-
Fewer incidents of slip and fall injuries.
-
Reduces frequency of vehicle crashes.
-
Enables businesses, government and social services to continue with minimal interruption.
What are the downsides of its use?
-
Salt on impervious surfaces (sidewalks, parking lots, roads, etc.) is eventually washed into storm drains, creeks, and rivers. This results in higher concentrations of salt in the region's drinking water sources: Potomac River and Occoquan Reservoir.
-
Corrosion to vehicles and infrastructure (roads, bridges, sidewalks, parking lots).
-
Increases the salinity in streams and groundwater, impacting freshwater fish and other aquatic life.
Why is increased salt in the drinking water supply a problem for water utilities?
-
Salt cannot be removed via traditional drinking water and wastewater treatment processes.
-
Corrosive to plumbing.
-
Potential health impacts for those on low sodium diets.
What are Fairfax Water and other agencies doing to address this problem?
The Virginia Salt Management Strategy (SaMS) was established by a diverse group of stakeholders (including Fairfax Water) coordinated by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
The SaMS Toolkit includes recommendations and resources for winter maintenance professionals and residents to become #WinterSaltSmart. The Toolkit also contains education and outreach resources, water quality monitoring tools, and plans to better understand the impacts of winter salt use and #WinterSaltSmart practices on improving water quality. Various other resources and recommendations are also included to promote collaboration and overall improvement in public awareness and winter maintenance.
In addition to SaMS, Fairfax Water will continue to monitor source water quality and work closely with the county and other agencies to analyze trends and explore solutions.
What can I do to help?
-
Shovel early. Remove snow from pavements before it turns to ice. Use salt only after snow has been cleared and only in areas needed for safety. Click here to view more snow and ice management tips from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission.
-
Use less. More salt does not mean more melting. A 12-ounce coffee mug of salt should be enough for a 20-foot driveway or about 10 sidewalk squares.
-
Spread evenly. Try to not distribute in clumps.
-
Watch the temps. When it is colder than 15°F do not apply winter salt – it will not work. In those cases, consider building traction with alternatives like sand or native bird seed.
-
Look for leftovers. If you see salt remaining after the ice melts, sweep it into safe storage to keep out of our rivers and streams.
-
Divert downspouts. If possible, channel downspout spillage to drain onto lawn areas rather than walks and driveways.
STEAM Team Adventure #5 - Winter Warriors!
Check out our newest STEAM Team comic below!