Winter Matters Too: Snow, Ice, and Stormwater Pollution

Salt in Our Water: A Local Challenge

Salt (chloride) is commonly used to melt ice on sidewalks, driveways, and roads. While effective at keeping surfaces safe, too much salt can harm our waterways:

• Aquatic life: High chloride levels are toxic to fish, insects, and other aquatic organisms.

• Vegetation: Plants along streams and lakes can be damaged by excessive salt.

Chloride from road salt does not get removed by stormwater systems or treatment plants. Even small amounts of salt used incorrectly can add up when snow and ice melt and flow into storm drains.

Other Winter Pollutants

• Sediment: Dirt and sand applied to icy roads and driveways for traction contribute significantly to sediment buildup in stormwater systems. They wash into storm drains, filling pipes and ditches. This reduces capacity, increasing the risk of localized flooding.

• Pet waste: Frozen soil acts almost like pavement. Instead of soaking into the ground, snowmelt and rain run across the surface, picking up pet waste along the way. This means even a small amount of melting can transport bacteria and nutrients much more efficiently than during the growing season.

• Trash: Snow can cover debris, which then enters stormwater systems as it melts.

Winter Stormwater Tips for Residents and Businesses

Winter runoff can be managed carefully to protect waterways:

Use deicers responsibly

• • Apply only the recommended amount

  • More salt does not improve melting speed

  • Sweep up excess salt after melting, if possible, and reuse it for later.

Manage snow and ice runoff

• • Keep storm drains clear of snow and debris

  • Avoid pushing snow into the street or directly into storm inlets

Maintain clean surfaces 

• • Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing

  • Remove debris before and during snowmelt periods

Protect water quality year-round  

• • Always pick up pet waste, even in winter conditions