Every winter, millions of tons of road salt silently wreak havoc on our roads, bridges, and waterways. Just one teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water, threatening our lakes, streams, and drinking water for generations.
The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, a leader in protecting local freshwater resources, is partnering with organizations nationwide to elevate awareness of winter salt pollution and sustainable solutions.
Winter Salt Week 2025
When: Monday, January 27 – Friday, January 31
Where: Online (Daily Live Streams)
Why Attend: Hear from leading experts and policymakers about the hidden impacts of road salt and learn how communities, businesses, and individuals can take action.
Speakers include:
- Abby Hileman (Izaak Walton League of America)
- Jess Hua (UW-Madison)
- Cara Hardesty (Ohio EPA)
- Ted Diers (New Hampshire Department of Environmental Protection)
Register today at www.wintersaltweek.org to be part of this critical conversation.
Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium (NEWSC) Leads Local Efforts
The Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium (NEWSC), a subsidiary of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, plays a pivotal role in addressing chloride pollution here at home. NEWSC works with municipal stormwater professionals, businesses, and community leaders to promote best practices for reducing road salt use while maintaining safety.
By focusing on practical strategies like proper snow removal, salt application, and public education campaigns, NEWSC supports municipalities and private operators in reducing chloride pollution across Northeast Wisconsin.
“The solutions to chloride pollution are within our reach, and NEWSC is proud to help our communities take steps to protect their local waterways,” said Alyssa Reinke, NEWSC Coordinator.
Citizen Science: Keeping Tabs on Salt Pollution
The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance leads the way in tracking chloride levels in local water bodies through its Chloride Monitor Volunteer Program. This citizen science initiative brings together community members to collect data from streams and rivers across the Fox-Wolf River Basin. The program provides essential insights into chloride pollution trends, which inform conservation strategies and help mitigate the long-term impacts of road salt on freshwater resources.
By adopting smarter winter maintenance practices—like shoveling first and salting sparingly—residents, municipalities, and businesses can reduce costs, protect infrastructure, and safeguard our freshwater systems.
About Fox-Wolf
Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is a non-profit organization that works with partners to protect and restore the water resources of the Fox-Wolf River Basin. Learn more about our work at fox-wolf.org.
