Applying rock salt on roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks helps to ensure the safety of those traveling by vehicle or foot, but overuse can be costly for consumers, degrade infrastructure, contaminate runoff that enters streams and lakes, and impact drinking water.
DEC encourages New Yorkers to use these “Don’t Be Salty, New York” best practices to reduce rock salt pollution and stay safe:
• Use Rock Salt Sparingly
• Shovel first, if possible, to clear snow and ice before applying rock salt. The less snow and ice there is to melt, the less rock salt is needed;
• Apply rock salt strategically. A 12-ounce cup full of rock salt is enough to treat 250 square feet, a 20-foot single car driveway, or approximately 10 standard sidewalk squares;
• Apply rock salt only where it is needed most, such as walkways, driveways, and steps;
• Use a spreader to evenly distribute salt. Avoid piling it in one area, as this can lead to more salt runoff;
• Consider making your own brine solution at home by combining 3.5 cups of rock salt per gallon of hot tap water and stirring until all salt is dissolved. Let any gravel settle to the bottom. Pour the brine into a regular garden sprayer and spray in a zig-zag pattern over desired area. Save extra brine to use later.
Monitor Weather Conditions
Rock salt loses effectiveness below 15°F. Sand can be used for traction on ice during a cold snap (and can be swept up in the spring for reusing) or switch to a deicer made for colder temperatures.
If a snow or ice storm is predicted, consider pre-treating surfaces with rock salt to prevent ice from forming.
