Overused Road Salt in Winter Can Make Saltier Groundwater, Lakes

The snow and arriving winter can cause travel dangers in the US and Canada. In a recent report, researchers raised concerns about the amount of road salt that could affect groundwater and lakes.

In the recent weather news, parts of Canada and the US have experienced heavy snow conditions this November. The winter is also near, advising residents to stay updated with winter advisories.

One of the main concerns is road danger. In the event of heavy snow and winter storms, motorists can anticipate the following hazardous situations:

• Ice-covered roads
• Slippery travel
• Slick roads
• Reduced road visibility
• Freezing conditions

To keep the road safer, maintenance personnel or the community use road salt on the roads to drive safely and walk on snow-filled roads, especially in New England and Canada.

Reduction of Road Salt: Why Does It Matter?

(Photo : by SEBASTIEN ST-JEAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Snow removal in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The recent report urged to reduce the use of road salt this winter to avoid road dangers. It can make saltier groundwater and lakes, harming wildlife and people's health. While road salt is a cheap alternative, it has an environmental downside affecting the rivers and lakes in Ontario. The salt can make the lakes alarmingly saltier.

While road salt is helpful in keeping roads safe, the EPA emphasized that alternative methods are important. A recent report showed that overuse of road salt can pose an alarming threat to animals and lakes.

It can also affect the drinking water of people since it can enter into the groundwaters and drinking reservoirs. The high sodium levels in water are not healthy for human health and likely kill fish and other animals.

In Canada, researchers at the University of Waterloo raised concerns about road salt. The report urged to reduce the salt in roads that can impact the lakes in the region.

While road salt is a cheap alternative, it has an environmental downside affecting the rivers and lakes in Ontario. The salt can make the lakes alarmingly saltier.

The increasing and widespread use of road salt can also impact plants and other microorganisms. The report added that it should be used in the right areas that require immediate deicing.

In the US, researchers are looking for ways to deal with ice-covered roads due to the environmental effects on animals. For instance, a porous pavement has been applied to prevent massive amounts of snow on roadways.

In the US, a recent report showed the increase of salinity in the US drainage area in the past 50 years. In addition, the use of road salt can affect the quality of infrastructure due to corrosion in bridges.

Also Read: Canada's Alberta Wildfires 2023: 60% of Fires Were Human-Caused

Staying Safe From Ice-Covered Roads: What Can People Do?

The heavy snow is a problem for motorists due to extremely hazardous conditions. As a result, preparing for winter and heavy snow is essential for motorists and homeowners.

•  Motorists should check for travel hazards before they go out in this snowy outlook. They should anticipate slower commutes and travel disruption due to hazardous travel.
• Keeping car survival kits is important when you travel during winter.

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