Water Pollution Prevention

If you live anywhere in northwest Ohio, you live in the Lake Erie watershed.  What we put on the land eventually makes it to our Great Lake! Let's work together to protect it. 
Whether in central Toledo, Waterville, or Point Place, we all live in a watershed. A watershed is defined as a land area that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers, and eventually to outflow points such as bays, lakes, and the ocean. If we are not careful about what is applied to the land, on purpose or by accident, those unintended chemicals or pollutants enter the watershed and can cause harm to wildlife and reduce water quality. Not to mention, affect drinking water for millions of people. 

This page will focus on stormwater pollution, or in other words, pollution that can occur as runoff from driveways, sidewalks, lawns, and roads. This runoff enters the storm drains and travels to the nearest river or stream, untreated and unfiltered. To learn about ways to protect water quality from the agricultural side, please visit our Agricultural Resources and Programs page.  
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This is an example of OVER-application of salt. One 12oz. coffee mug is enough salt for 10 sidewalk squares!

Be Salt S.M.A.R.T 

The following information is relevant for road salt, or Sodium Chloride. For a comparison of all de-icing agents, see the chart at the bottom of this section. 
  • Shovel first, then apply salt. Shoveling first removes the snow, allowing the salt to do it's job. Also, be sure to Sweep up any excess salt to use again. 
  • Material: choose the right de-icing agent. See comparison chart below. Road salt does not work when the pavement temperature is below 15 degrees. 
  • Area: salt, or any de-icing agent, only belongs on the sidewalk or driveway. Also, sweep up excess and keep out of garden beds and lawns as it can harm plants and wildlife. 
  • Rate: more salt does not mean more effective. Read the label and only apply what is needed. Over application leads to runoff! Shoot for 3in. between salt granules. 
  • Timing: apply salt after snow/ice have been removed. Do not apply salt on a sunny, dry day. The sun is doing the job for you!  

For more information on how to be Salt S.M.A.R.T, check out the Franklin SWCD's website page.