Salt levels in Minnesota's lakes, rivers and groundwater are getting worse. Part of the problem is due to using too much de-icing salt. One teaspoon of salt pollutes five gallons of water. There is no feasible way to remove it. Salt damages property and the environment. It harms aquatic species and impacts drinking water quality.
Do these Winter Salt Week activities Jan. 27-31:
- With friends or family, collect a water sample from a local lake, stream or wetland. Test it for chloride.
- Learn more about salt pollution at the Dakota County Library:
- Browse book displays on winter topics. Pick up a bookmark with the book lists.
- Have fun on a scavenger hunt.
- Learn how to be a Smart Salter and pick up a cup to use the right amount of salt, if needed.
- Learn what watershed you live in and how you can help protect local water resources.
- Complete kids' activities, including a Salty Dawg activity book, temporary tattoos, origami and buttons.
Take the pledge to be a Smart Salter. Find more information about the pledge at all library locations.
Learn to 'keep freshwater fresh'
Winter Salt Week events teach chloride pollution and things we can do to 'keep freshwater fresh.' Visit the Winter Salt Week website for daily webinars. There's also more information about the problems that salt pollution can cause and solutions for salt reduction.
Dakota County, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District and several watersheds created this salt reduction campaign. The goal is to inform and inspire Dakota County residents to reduce salt use. An informed public can support the adoption of best practices and advocate for the protection of freshwater.
For more information, contact Lindsey Albright, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, at lindsey.albright@co.dakota.mn.us.