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The image above and facts provided by Wisconsin Salt Wise/ Wisconsin Salt Wise 2/ Wisconsin Salt Wise 3
Keeping citizens safe is a top priority during Wisconsin winters. With more efficient use of salt, your municipality can also save operating funds and prevent further contamination of our rivers and lakes. All five watersheds in the Root-Pike basin are designated "impaired" by the EPA, and excessive salting is one of the main impairments.
According to WI DOT, $1,000 worth of salt in liquid form can safely clear 224 lane miles compared to 86 miles in granular form.
Why use less salt?
- The price of granular salt has grown 167% over the past 20 years
- Salt weakens infrastructure (concrete, brick, stone, and various metals) over time
- Salt degrades soil and reduces stormwater infiltration capacity
How does salt impact our freshwater?
- 1 teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes 5 gallons of water
- Stresses and kills roadside vegetation which helps infiltrate stormwater runoff
- Stresses and kills fish, amphibians, and other aquatic life reducing population sizes
How to save your municipality money
- Pre-treat roads with salt brine before storms are expected. Brine can reduce salt use by 70% according to Wisconsin Salt Wise.
- Pre-wet salt before placing it on the roads to ensure it does not blow off into the ditches. 30% more salt stays on the road by switching to this practice.
Where can I learn more?
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Encourage your salting staff to attend one of the following free training opportunities (below). Register here and contact laura@rootpikewin.org if you have any questions.
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