What's the Big Deal About a Teaspoon of Salt?
SALT. Sodium Chloride. Consider it has been a part of human existence since the beginning of time. Salt is needed for functions of the human body and is an essential element in many aspects of our life. Ancient cultures even fought wars over it. Soldiers once received their pay in salt. There is so much to be said about the history and uses of salt!
Among the myriad uses of salt, it is the go-to product for keeping roads and walkways safe in winter. Unfortunately, use of salt on pavement has an unintended consequence that has the potential to ruin Lake Beulah, as well as our groundwater. As lovers of Lake Beulah, we bear some responsibility in what happens.
“WHAT!?”… According to experts, it only takes a teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. Here’s the story…
Salt put down on pavement in winter dissolves, and when it runs off into the lake, it can wreak havoc on the lake ecosystem. Consider that just like people, the freshwater creatures of Lake Beulah require fresh water, and the saltier the water, the greater the negative impact.
Particularly susceptible to salt are microscopic zooplankton at the bottom of the food chain. These organisms eat algae, and when they die off they add more nutrients to the lake resulting in more frequent algae blooms, thus clouding the water. Zooplankton are also a major food source for fish, and it has been shown that salty water impacts their reproduction and growth rate.
Salt can also interfere with the natural turnover of Lake Beulah’s water. Not only does it change the water density, but it also has the same effect on lake ice that it has on road ice. Minnesota has lakes that have gotten so salty, the water no longer turns over. (EDITOR’S NOTE: See Fall 2020 Lake Views for a more thorough examination of lake turnover.)
It is not just the lake that is threatened, salt can also seriously affect drinking water. After years of being used on roads, salt is beginning to show up in well water, and though not yet a critical concern around Lake Beulah, there are water utilities elsewhere giving consideration to shutting down wells with overly high levels of salt.
Think it can’t be that bad? Consider this, a recent study showed even giant Lake Michigan has become nearly eight times saltier than it was in the 1800s, and a site along the Mississippi River near La Crosse has chloride levels 66% higher than in the early 1980s.
The Wisconsin DNR has stated that road salt use is on an unsustainable path. The thing is, unlike other pollutants, salt doesn’t break down over time. Once it’s in the lake, there’s no getting it out.
Fortunately for Lake Beulah, there is little or no impact from the biggest culprits of salt inflow, streams and sewer systems. But heavy salt use on pavement close to the lake is still a major concern.
Not long ago, it wasn’t uncommon to see salt trucks discharging way too much salt, especially at turn-around points. With this in mind, I was heartened to learn local leaders are well-informed on the environmental threat posed by salt. Town of East Troy Board Chair Joe Klarkowski and DPW Superintendent Todd Scheel told me salt application on our public roadways is greatly improved. Applicators are being trained, and new equipment put into use to keep roads safe, while also drastically cutting down on the amount of salt being used.
So if we’re pretty much ‘doing the best we can’ on public roads, are there still places around the lake where uneducated use of salt is unnecessarily and slowly poisoning the water? YES! It is happening on our private property, roadways, driveways, walkways, etc. It is estimated 50% of salt is applied to private property. So whether we apply salt ourselves, or hire a private contractor, it will be good for Lake Beulah that salt is responsibly used.
Salt has become enough of a concern that an organization called Saltwise (wisaltwise.com) was formed to push against increasing levels of salt in lakes and groundwater. One particular interest is to make sure salt applicators (that’s all of us) are aware that salt is a permanent pollutant of our water, and that they will use only what is needed, rather than take the attitude ‘deicing is good and more salt is better’.
One successful strategy for using less salt while keeping pavement safe is to make a brine to putndown before a snow/ice event. This is like putting oil in a fry pan so food doesn’t stick. It works! Perhaps you’ve noticed ‘wet stripes’ on roadways before a snow event. Brine also helps rock salt stick to pavement. It is estimated that about 30% of rock salt applied will bounce off a road without brine.
What can you do?
Don’t use too much. If you buy salt to put down, it is said that a 20 oz mug of salt is enough for 20’ of driveway.
Sweep up the excess.
Use sand when possible.
Make your own brine (See the Saltwise website for how to do this and for more ideas.)
Consider using calcium chloride which is less harmful. (Available at big box stores)
Below -15º F, sodium chloride doesn’t even work.
Support bipartisan Wisconsin legislation currently before the legislature (see wisaltwise.com)
We’ve got a beautiful, clean lake. To keep it that way, we can modify our personal habits, get the word out to our friends and neighbors, and educate decision-makers. As knowledgeable members of the LBPIA, your activism is what makes the LBPIA an effective force for Lake protection. Thank you for your support!