During the winter months, rock salt – also known as road salt – is widely used to keep driveways, sidewalks, and roads safe by preventing snow and ice buildup. Improper or excessive use of road salt can lead to significant environmental and structural issues.
Excess road salt washes into nearby soils and storm drains ending up in our groundwater, wetlands, and waterways. Over time the salinity levels of our fresh water resources are elevating. Elevated salt levels can harm aquatic life and damage vegetation near roadways and homes.
Chloride in road salt can corrode metal, concrete, bridges, vehicles, drainage systems, highway fixtures and drinking water pipes. Water treatment facilities deal with corrosion regularly, and the problem worsens as chloride concentrations increase. As salt accelerates the corrosion of pipes in our water systems, it allows for the leaching of metals, including dangerous metals like lead, into our drinking water. Salt is highly corrosive and can damage the undercarriage and brake systems of cars parked or driven over salted areas.
Best practices for residential salt application
Delaware residents can help reducing these impacts by applying salt responsibly around their homes. Here are some key recommendations:
- Shovel First, Salt Sparingly: Clear as much snow and ice as possible with a shovel or snow blower before applying salt.
- Use the Right Amount: More doesn’t improve effectiveness. A 12-ounce coffee cup of salt can cover about 10 sidewalk squares or a standard-sized driveway.
- Consider Alternatives: For areas close to vegetation, pets, or water sources, consider alternative de-icing materials like sand, magnesium chloride, or calcium chloride. These are often less harmful to the environment when used in moderation.
- Time It Right: Apply salt before snow starts falling or immediately after clearing snow, as it works best on thin layers of ice. Avoid salting when temperatures drop below 15°F, as salt is less effective in extremely cold conditions.
Working together for a safer winter
Smart salt practices can help maintain safety during winter while reducing harm to the environment and protecting infrastructure. Moderation is key — use only what’s needed, choose eco-friendly options when possible, and prioritize shoveling before salting. Together, these steps ensure that safety doesn’t come at the expense of Delaware’s natural resources or infrastructure.
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Delaware Currents. “EPA Funds UD Research into How Road Salt and Climate Extremes Are Changing Wetlands.” Delaware Currents, 21 Aug. 2024, https://delawarecurrents.org/2024/08/21/road-salt-wetlands/.
Delaware Department of Transportation. “Snow and Ice FAQs.” DelDOT, https://deldot.gov/About/faqs/index.shtml?dc=snowFAQ.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Winter is Coming! And with it, tons of salt on our roads.” EPA, 2024, https://www.epa.gov/snep/winter-coming-and-it-tons-salt-our-roads.