Salt Responsibly
Winter salt helps clear our walkways, driveways and parking lots of snow and ice. You only need one tablespoon of salt per square metre area, or a sidewalk slab, for it to be effective at melting ice. Remember that winter salt is most effective when temperatures are between 0°C and -10°C
It is important to use winter salt sparingly as it can end up in your drinking water supply after it melts. When water becomes contaminated with salt, there is no effective way to get it out. It can be destructive to freshwater ecosystems.
York Region's Source Water Protection program protects your drinking water sources from contamination, including winter salt. Everyone can help protect our water supply by limiting the amount of salt used.
On your property
Before you start shaking out winter salt, consider your drinking water supply.
When the ice melts, the salt remains on the ground. Excessive salt can end up in the groundwater and contaminate your drinking water, with no effective way to get it out.
There are areas in York Region called York Region Drinking Water Protection Zones that are at a higher risk of drinking water contamination. Find out if you live or work in one of these areas by checking the map below.
York Region Drinking Water Protection Zone Map
Follow these tips to Salt Responsibly:
- A little salt goes a long way: use one tablespoon of winter salt per sidewalk slab – more salt does not mean more ice melting
- Shovel snow early and often if you are able: use less winter salt by letting the sun do the melting for you
- Use sand to provide traction when temperatures drop below -10°C: winter salt is most effective when temperatures are between 0°C and -10°C
- Prevent ice from forming: position downspouts away from driveways and walkways and keep eavestroughs and storm drains clear
- Walk carefully: If you do walk on ice, slow down, keep your arms out at your sides, bend your knees a little and take tiny steps with your feet pointed outwards
Stay safe this winter by reducing the risk of falls. Learn more at Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention | York Region
Falls are predictable and preventable! Prepare for the snow and icy conditions by reviewing Winter Safety Tips
On York Region Roads
Salt is just one part of a comprehensive winter maintenance program along with plowing, sanding and snow fencing. York Region’s winter maintenance program is designed to balance public safety while minimizing the impacts on the environment.
Salt improves road conditions to make travel safer. York Region’s trucks salt responsibly by using a liquid solution that uses less salt, along with spreaders that control the precise amount for application, ensuring there is no excess. A pickled sand treated salt is also used as an environmentally- safe alternative to traditional winter salt.
We consider the environment by using salt wisely, storing it carefully and following nation-wide best practices. We also conduct rregular fleet maintenance to ensure we use the right amount of sand or salt at the right time and place.
Learn more at Roads Operations | York Region
On commercial property and parking lots
Do you own a business in a York Region Source Water Protection Area? Take action to Salt Responsibly and help protect your drinking water. Find out if your business is located in a York Region Drinking Water Protection Zone.
York Region Drinking Water Protection Zone Map
York Region provides education and training to our contractors to manage salt risks and protect the environment. York Region also encourages builders and developers to create salt management plans for parking lots.
We do our best to ensure we apply the right amount of material, in the right place at the right time.
- Learn more about safely salting your parking lot
- Learn more about the impact of winter salt on water supply
Stay safe this winter by reducing the risk of falls. Learn more at Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention | York Region
Resources
- Drinking Water Source Protection - Salt Responsibly (arcgis.com)
- Parking Lot Design Guidelines - Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (lsrca.on.ca) - business section
- Smart About Salt Council - Home