Street salt keeps roads safe and ice-free during the winter, but is it safe to use? While it’s effective at improving roadside safety, street salt has an impact on the natural environment and public infrastructure in the area. Learn more about how street salt affects the environment and the risks they pose in our daily lives.
Street Salt Contaminates Water Supplies
The residue from dissolving street salt infiltrates nearby water sources such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater. You could find rises in sodium and chloride levels with this salt in the water supply.
Additionally, high salt levels harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and even compromise drinking water quality. Plants, animals, and humans could see a harmful effect of street salt if there are high amounts of residue in the water supply.
It Damages Soil and Vegetation
The runoff from melted snow carries road salt directly into the soil. Over time, salt accumulates and alters soil composition. This alteration could make the soil less fertile and damage roots, stunt growth, and even dormant plants around the area.
This loss of vegetation impacts roadside ecosystems and contributes to soil erosion. Communities can combat this issue by planting salt-tolerant species along roadsides to prevent habitat loss and soil degradation, such as junipers or black-eyed Susans.
Street Salt Damages Cars and Vehicles
One of the most visible affects of street salt on the environment is its corrosive effect on vehicles. Salt accelerates rust and corrosion on a car’s undercarriage, brake lines, and frame. This corrosion shortens the vehicle’s lifespan and increases maintenance costs for owners.
Wash your car frequently during winter months to remove any accumulated salt and reduce the risk of damage. Seek professional attention before the corrosion leads to severe maintenance costs if you notice your car was damaged by street salt.
Contributes to Public Infrastructure Damage
Salt can also erode concrete and metal infrastructure. Bridges, highways, and sidewalks exposed to salt experience accelerated wear and tear. This exposure leads to higher repair costs and greater use of resources to maintain public infrastructure.
Encourage your community to explore infrastructure-safe materials such as calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) to de-ice public roads. Therefore, everyone can drive safely on the roads after a serious snowstorm.
While many rely on street salt to dissolve the snow on the roads, it has a large effect on their everyday lives. Improper cleanup of street salt could do more harm than good, from local businesses corroding to hazardous materials in the water supply. Look for ways you can improve your neighborhood by staying informed on the effects of materials like street salt.
