
Many U.S. state and local governments struggle with issues regarding use of salt following snow and ice storms. Salting streets does make it safer and easier for drivers. However, salting has many downsides. For those of us living near freshwater sources that provide water for drinking and household use, there are additional downside factors with using salt which ultimately gets into Lake Erie through sewers and ground water. Many organizations and universities have studied the challenges, including human health risks and economic development impacts, associated with the use of salt as a deicer.
Salt:
Is corrosive to streets, buildings, vehicles, bridges and other infrastructure. Maintenance, repairs or replacement is very expensive, whether for public or private property.
Can infiltrate nearby surface soil and ground water.
Alters the chemistry and changes the ecosystem of Lake Erie.
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