![MPCA: Apply De-Icing Salt Correctly to Protect Lakes, Rivers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/01/attachment-GettyImages-461083526-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
MPCA: Apply De-Icing Salt Correctly to Protect Lakes, Rivers
ST. PAUL (WJON News) -- Now that the snow and ice have finally arrived this season in Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has its annual reminder to use salt sparingly.
They say we scattered an estimated 445,000 tons of chloride-containing salt on our paved surfaces in Minnesota each year. That chloride ends up in our lakes, rivers and streams and eventually makes its way into the groundwater.
It only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
No environmentally safe alternatives to de-icing salt are available yet, but the MPCA says there are strategies you can do to minimize pollution including shoveling and scraping, not using salt when the temperature dips below 15 degrees because it won't work anyway, use less salt, and sweep up visible salt on dry surfaces.
READ RELATED ARTICLES
- Lower Gas, Diesel Prices Predicted in 2024
- Minnesota's Minimum Wage Rates for 2024
- Two Minnesota Ice Events Delayed
- New Minnesota Tenant, Landlord Laws Take Effect January 1st
- New Theater Space Opening in Downtown St. Cloud
- Nonprofit Offering Month-Long Expeditions to Canada
LOOK: 35 Vintage Cereals That Perfectly Captured Pop Culture Moments
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Man’s Body Found After Jumping From Veterans Bridge](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/04/70240401_954648994892156_1160412640535642112_n-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Little Falls Man Hurt After Motorcycle Crash Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/05/Mayo-Ambulance-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![See What Happens When The Sun Goes Down At Sleepover Safari](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-tiger.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Two Hurt in Stearns County Crash Near St. Rosa](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Crash-with-Injuries.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Detour In Effect on Highway 23 Between Milaca and Bock](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-Hwy-23-Milaca-to-Ogilvie.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![80s Christian Pop Star Coming To Minnesota This Fall](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-621809252.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Cards, Cash Stolen at Wedding Venue in Sartell](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/04/attachment-Alvaro-Serrano-and-Beatriz-Perez-Moya-via-Unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud Intersection to Close Wednesday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/10/attachment-DSC06756.jpg?w=980&q=75)