Salt levels in Minnesota's lakes, rivers and groundwater are increasing due to the overuse of de-icing salt in winter. Just one teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water, and there is no practical way to remove it once it enters our waterways.
Excess salt harms fish and other aquatic life, affects drinking water quality, and damages roads, vehicles and infrastructure.
Learn more and get involved
Visit your local Dakota County Library location
- Explore book displays on winter and water topics and pick up a themed bookmark.
- Join a fun scavenger hunt.
- Learn how to be a Smart Salter and pick up a reusable cup to help apply the right amount of salt when needed.
- Find out which watershed you live in and how you can help protect local water.
- Enjoy kids' activities, including the Salty Dawg activity book, temporary tattoos, origami and buttons.
Test local water for chloride
With friends or family, collect a water sample from a nearby lake, stream or wetland. Request a free chloride test kit from Salt Watch (available year-round). Each kit includes four test strips, instructions, a results chart and a postcard for reporting your findings. Share your results on the Clean Water Hub.
Learn how to keep freshwater fresh
Winter Salt Week highlights how chloride pollution affects water and what we can do to reduce salt use. Visit the Winter Salt Week website for free daily webinars, information about salt pollution impacts and practical ideas for using less salt.
This salt reduction campaign was created by Dakota County, the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, and local watershed organizations. The goal is to inform and inspire residents to reduce salt use and protect our freshwater resources. Together, we can support best practices and long-term water protection.
For more information, contact:
Lindsey Albright
Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District
lindsey.albright@co.dakota.mn.us