Once salt is in the environment it doesn’t go away. It ends up in our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. Chloride from salt degrades freshwater ecosystems. The widespread use of salt has led to the steady salinization of surface water and groundwater, threatening freshwater resources and our drinking water.
Salt weakens the concrete, brick and stone that make up our homes, garages, bridges, and roads. Nationwide we spend over $5 billion annually to repair salt damage to roads and bridges and we’re not keeping up (source).
The good news is that we CAN IMPROVE winter maintenance and salting practices. Be a part of the solution at your home, school, workplace, etc.
Winter Salt Week - January 26-30, 2026 