HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM V Snow removal mailer_Back PageHidden Costs of Over-salting
Salt weakens the concrete, brick and stone
that make up our homes, garages, bridges,
and roads. Salt corrodes metal flashings on
doorways and thresholds, as well as on our
vehicles. According to Wisconsin SaltWise,
one ton of rock salt causes between $800 and
$3,300 of damage to buildings, bridges and
other infrastructure. Nationwide we spend over
$5 billion annually to repair salt damage to
roads and bridges and we're not keeping up.
Extend the life of your sidewalks by putting
down less salt.
Tips for using less salt:
●An attempt should be made to shovel or remove
all snow or other solid precipitation as a first step
●Only apply salt or other deicer(s) to established
ice; salt or other deicers should not be applied in
advance of precipitation or as a preventative
measure
●Salt must be scattered, with space
(approximately 3 inches) between crystals; a 12
oz container of salt is enough for 10 sidewalk
squares
●Excess salt that remains after snow and ice
have melted, salt should be swept up and can be
re-used an applied for future snow and ice events
●Widespread use of salt has
made our surface and
groundwater salty,
threatening our drinking
water
●Once salt is in our water, it
is very difficult and
expensive to remove
●Excess salt can be toxic to
pets, causing skin irritation
and other issues
●Excess salt in our lakes and
rivers is toxic to fish and
other animals, and can
decreases their growth rates
Image from Wisconsin SaltWise
Image from Wisconsin SaltWise
Image from Wisconsin SaltWise