APPLETON, WI — Every winter, road salt helps keep drivers and pedestrians safe. But once the snow melts, that salt does not disappear. It washes into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, where it accumulates year after year and contributes to long-term water quality problems.
To raise awareness and share practical solutions, the Fox‑Wolf Watershed Alliance is participating in Winter Salt Week, a national education and outreach effort taking place January 26–30, 2026.
Salt pollution has become a growing concern in cold-weather regions. Elevated chloride levels can corrode infrastructure, harm fish and aquatic life, and threaten drinking water sources. Once salt enters the water system, it is extremely difficult and costly to remove.
“Salt use is one of those issues where small changes can make a real difference,” said Jessica Schultz, Executive Director of Fox-Wolf. “We all want safe winter travel, but we also need to recognize the long-term impact excess salt has on our rivers and lakes. Winter Salt Week is about sharing smarter approaches that protect both public safety and water quality.”
Winter Salt Week brings together experts in water science, public works, engineering, and policy to highlight effective winter maintenance practices and community-level solutions already being used across the country. Topics include right-sizing salt application, alternative deicing strategies, and actions residents and property managers can take to reduce runoff into local waterways.
The week will feature a series of free, live YouTube events held daily at 12:30 PM CT, open to residents, municipal staff, property managers, and anyone interested in protecting freshwater resources.
More information and event registration are available at www.wintersaltweek.org.
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