Clearing pavement with salt containing chloride leads to it draining into storm drains and into nearby lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

It takes only a teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reports.

There’s no feasible way to remove chloride once it gets into the water, and we are finding increasing amounts of chloride in waters around the state. Salty water harms freshwater fish and other aquatic wildlife.

Smart salting strategies can help reduce chloride pollution in state waters. Salt will effectively remove snow and ice if it’s scattered so that the salt grains are about 3 inches apart. A coffee mugful of salt is all you need for a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares. Consider using a handheld spreader to apply salt consistently, and use salt only in critical areas.

Learn more at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/chloride -salts