​More Salt Doesn't Mean More Safety!

LSRCA recommends combating snow and ice with alternatives

NEWMARKET – Monday, December 5, 2016 – According to Environment Canada, residents in the Lake Simcoe watershed can expect a winter season with lots of snow. So when it comes to keeping your walkways and driveways clear, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) would like to remind you that more salt doesn't equal better safety.

Based on monitoring LSRCA does in rivers and streams, it's now known that too much salt has a detrimental effect on our rivers, streams, fish, wildlife and ultimately Lake Simcoe. When winter snow and ice melt, the runoff carries road salt and other contaminants into our rivers and streams. Eventually these pollutants can end up in our groundwater systems and in Lake Simcoe.​

More and more municipalities are taking action to reduce their salt use on roads and at public facilities, and LSRCA is working with industry and businesses to get the message out about the impacts of salt and alternate ways of ensuring public safety. It's also important to let residents know that they can chip in and choose different ways to manage snow and ice to maintain safety around their home.

Following are ways to minimize the amount of salt you apply through the winter, while keeping your family and visitors safe:

1. Salt only works when the temperature is between 0˚C and -12˚C.
2. If the temperature is above 0˚C or it's colder than -12˚C, consider using
   sand or kitty litter to create traction.
3. Wear weather-appropriate footwear to help prevent outdoor slips and falls.
4. Point downspouts away from walkways, driveways and other hard surfaces, so that water doesn't have a place to pool and freeze.
5. Clear snow from walkways and driveways as soon as possible, so there's less chance of ice forming.
6. If salt must be applied, sprinkle a small amount on icy areas only.
7. Ask your local businesses if their contractors are Smart About Salt® trained - If they aren't, tell them to get in touch with LSRCA and we can arrange for them to participate in training.

It is the mission of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to work with our community to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed by leading research policy and action.​

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Media Contact:
Sue Jagminas
Corporate Communications
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Phone: 905-895-1281, ext. 264
Toll Free: 1-800-465-0437
Email:s.jagminas@LSRCA.on.ca

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