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Protecting Your Drinking Water During Winter

Tips for Safe and Sustainable Snow and Ice Management Ìý

It's that time of year again! Snow is falling, and with it comes icy roads and sidewalks. While road salt and snow plowing are essential for keeping our roads, parking lots, walkways, and driveways safe, the overuse and improper storage of road salt can pose a significant threat to drinking water quality. Fortunately, there are easy mitigation measures you can adopt to safeguard your water supply while maintaining safety this winter. Ìý

Why Road Salt is a Concern Ìý

Runoff from rain and melting snow that comes into contact with road salt can carry harmful chemicals into groundwater and surface water sources. These sources are critical for supplying clean drinking water to our communities. Excessive use of salt can increase chloride levels in water, which is harmful to aquatic ecosystems and can make water treatment more challenging and costly. Ìý

In recognition of these risks, the application and storage of road salt are regulated under Source Protection Plans established by the province's Clean Water Act, 2006. These plans are designed to protect sources of drinking water from potential contamination and to promote sustainable practices. Ìý

The Role of Winter Maintenance Contractors Ìý

One way to minimize the environmental impact of road salt is to hire certified winter maintenance contractors who follow best management practices for snow and ice control. Programs like Smart About Salt (smartaboutsalt.com) offer training to help contractors optimize their use of salt and snow plowing techniques, ensuring safe conditions while protecting the environment and drinking water sources. Ìý

By choosing contractors who prioritize sustainability, you're contributing to the broader effort to protect our natural water resources. Ìý

Tips for ÌÇÐÄÖ±²¥owners: Safe and Eco-Friendly Ice Management Ìý

You can take steps in your own home to reduce the impact of winter maintenance on drinking water sources. Here are some simple yet effective tips: Ìý

1. Shovel Early and Often: Clear snow as soon as possible to prevent it from compacting and turning into ice. This reduces the need for salt and deicers. Ìý

1. Consider Alternative Deicers: Use eco-friendly deicing materials, such as those made with less sodium and chloride, to minimize their environmental impact. Ìý

1. Use Sand for Traction: Sand can improve traction on icy surfaces without introducing harmful chemicals to the environment. Ìý

1. Use Salt Sparingly: Remember, a little salt goes a long way! If you can see visible salt granules on the ground, you've likely used too much. Spread it thinly and evenly for maximum effectiveness. Ìý

1. Store Salt Properly: Keep road salt in a covered, dry area to prevent it from leaching into nearby soil and water sources. Ìý

A Shared Responsibility Ìý

Protecting drinking water during winter is a shared responsibility between municipalities, contractors, and individuals. By implementing sustainable practices and making small changes to how we manage snow and ice, we can all play a role in safeguarding this vital resource for future generations. Ìý

This winter let's keep our sidewalks safe, our roads clear, and our water clean. Together, we can enjoy the season responsibly while protecting the environment and the health of our communities! Ìý