Wisconsin’s waters are getting saltier — Winter Salt Week aims to turn the tide

The salt applied to Wisconsin roads and sidewalks each winter doesn’t disappear when the snow melts. It washes into local lakes, rivers, and even drinking water. To spotlight the growing problem—and what communities can do about it—WI Salt Wise is hosting Winter Salt Week, Jan. 26–30, 2026.
“A single teaspoon of salt can make five gallons of water toxic for aquatic life,” said Allison Madison, WI Salt Wise program manager. “Now imagine millions of tons being spread every winter. That’s why this is such a serious and growing problem for our waters.”
Beyond impacting lakes and streams, road salt accelerates corrosion of infrastructure, irritates pets’ paws, and harms vegetation. But experts say the most concerning impact is what’s happening in drinking water.
In Wisconsin, 38% of community wells have exceeded the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ recommended sodium level for people on low-salt diets at least once since 2004.
“Once salt is in our drinking water, removal is so costly that it’s usually off the table,” Madison said. “Prevention is the most efficient and cost-effective approach.”

All 43 of the long-term trend water quality monitoring sites across Wisconsin are showing increases in chlorides, according to Shannon Haydin, DNR storm water section manager.
“Chlorides persist in the environment forever and cause significant impacts to fish, aquatic life, and human health,” Haydin said. “Now is the time to make a change and reduce salt use when we can.”

Smart salting tips
Shovel: The more snow removed manually, the less salt you will need and the more effective it will be.
Sunshine: Let the sun melt the remaining snow.

Scatter: If needed at all, scatter salt 3 inches between salt crystals. A 12-ounce coffee mug of salt is enough to treat 2 parking spots or 10 sidewalk squares.
Switch: When temperatures drop below 15 degrees, switch to sand for traction or a different ice melter that works at lower temperatures.
More information is available at wintersaltweek.org/.