Be a little less salty this winter
Use smaller amounts of salt to de-ice driveways and walkways
The salt we spread on roads, sidewalks, parking lots and driveways doesn’t disappear when snow and ice melts. Salt mixes with water from melting snow and rain, then enters our rivers and lakes.
Over time, salt levels in rivers and lakes can harm wildlife, the environment and the quality of our drinking water sources.
Follow these tips to reduce the salt you use and help lessen salt’s harmful effects while staying safe:
- Apply a small amount of salt across your driveway before falling wet snow and freezing temperatures to help prevent ice and snow from sticking and make it easier to clear.
- Clear snow from your driveway and walkway as soon as possible to help avoid ice build-up.
- Don't pile your snow where it will melt across walkways and re-freeze creating a slipping hazard.
- After a snowfall, salt should only be used once the snow is removed and only in areas needed for safety.
- Spread a small amount of salt across your driveway before freezing rain. This smaller amount of salt will help stop ice from sticking.
- Salt only works on ice and snow at temperatures above -10C. When it’s below -10C, use alternatives such as sand, grit, non-clumping kitty litter or mag chloride.
When walking in snow, always wear proper winter footwear and pay attention to your footing.
Salt doesn't need to be seen to be working.
Learn how to manage salt use and what the Region is doing to reduce salt use while maintaining safe roads.
Follow us on Twitter@PeelPublicWorksfor snow clearing updates. #LessSalty
