Loretto

Since the early 1950’s our metro area waters have become increasingly salty.  Chloride levels have risen so high that many metro area creeks are now considered unhealthy.

Chlorides harm plants and animals, contaminate our drinking water, damage buildings, and corrode vehicles, roads and bridges.  Too much salt results in costly damages and serious environmental consequences.

Storm drains carry excess water from streets and homes to nearby lakes and rivers; that makes your property a waterfront property.  During the cold winter months, salt that is applied to our streets eventually flows into our lakes and rivers.  Help keep our waters clean this winter by following these few simple steps.

1.  Before the Storm

Apply a liquid de-icer before snow storms to prevent snow and ice from building up.  However, this is not a substitute for shoveling; it just makes it more effective.
**TIP** You can make your own liquid de-icer - just mix 2 cups of hot water with 1 cup of salt.

2.  Shovel that Snow!

Shovel, snow blow, plow and/or sweep.  These are all effective measures that will remove snow and minimize ice build-up.

3.  Less is Better

When applying salt, if there are left-over crystals still visible, the salt has been over applied.  The left-over salt can be swept up and reused or disposed of in the trash.

4.  Temperature Matters

At low temperatures salt begins to become less effective; check your product for more details.  When the temperature falls below 15 degrees F consider using sand as an alternative to salt.