Even if you’re a big fan of winter weather, you probably don’t enjoy the icy road and sidewalk conditions that are inevitable this time of year. We don’t typically think about water quality during the winter, but residents should be mindful of snow removal options and the potential impacts on our local waterways.

Traditional deicing using salt to melt snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways is linked to increased chloride concentrations in waterways. Road salts are carried into storm drains and streams via stormwater runoff. Once these salts enter waterways, the chlorides never fully dissipate and can be harmful for aquatic life.

Residents are encouraged to utilize best management practices for snow and ice removal during the winter months. Use the tips listed below this winter to help reduce the levels of chlorides in Kane County waterways.

Winter Best Management Practices

• Remove snow prior to applying a deicer.
• Use just enough deicer to minimize hazardous conditions.
• Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet. More salt does NOT equal more melting.
• Sweep up extra road salt after a snow storm for reuse.
• Try salt-free alternative products, such as an eco-friendly ice melt or beet juice derivative, to minimize the formation of ice.

Alternative products can also be safer for your pets. For more information about pet-friendly ice management, check out this article from the Natural Resources Defense Council. To learn about the variety of ice melt options, view a Consumer Reports comparison.

For more information about how you can help protect local waterways, please visit www.countyofkane.org and click on Stormwater Education.