New York State is asking residents to go easy on the rock salt this winter.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched a public awareness campaign called “Don’t Be Salty, New York” aimed at reducing the overuse of road salt on sidewalks, driveways, and streets. The campaign highlights the environmental and health dangers of salt runoff—especially to drinking water—and encourages smarter, safer winter practices.
“It only takes one teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in the announcement. “We’re asking New Yorkers to take common-sense precautions to prevent harming our environment.”
Rock salt, while helpful for keeping roads and walkways safe during icy conditions, can do serious long-term damage to infrastructure, wildlife, and water supplies. Over time, it can corrode pipes, degrade roads and bridges, kill vegetation, and contaminate wells and public drinking water sources. It’s also dangerous to wildlife and costly to taxpayers, with corrosion-related damage costing the U.S. roughly $5 billion annually.
A smarter way to salt
The DEC’s campaign offers clear steps for households and snow removal crews to help cut down on salt use without sacrificing safety:
- Shovel first before applying salt to reduce the amount needed.
- Use a spreader and apply salt sparingly—just one 12-ounce cup can cover 250 square feet.
- Only salt where necessary, like steps and walkways.
- Skip the salt below 15°F, when it becomes less effective. Instead, use sand for traction or opt for cold-weather deicers.
- Try alternatives, like homemade salt brine sprays or eco-friendlier products listed on DEC’s GreenNY specs.
State agencies, including the Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Department of Health, are also coordinating efforts to reduce road salt statewide. NYSDOT recently expanded a pilot salt management program that helped cut the statewide average salt application rate from 194 to 172 pounds per lane-mile.
“Our crews are among the best in the country,” said DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “But we’re also committed to protecting the environment. A less salty winter means a greener, healthier future for all.”
Waterways at risk
Salt from roads and sidewalks often ends up in nearby lakes, rivers, and underground water sources. The buildup of sodium in these systems threatens aquatic life, encourages invasive species, and puts people with low-sodium diets at risk. DEC warns that private well users are especially vulnerable.
The state’s 2023 Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force and follow-up surveys in 2024 laid the foundation for the current campaign. Now, DEC is working with partners like ADK Action to spread awareness across the state.
Funding and tools available
The campaign is also backed by state grants. Through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP), municipalities can apply for funding to implement salt reduction efforts or build proper salt storage facilities. Additional funding rounds are expected in 2025.
To help local governments and residents get started, the DEC has released a video, podcast, and printed guide with tips and funding information. Learn more at: dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/rock-salt-reduction
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