Salting Resources for Residential Properties

Be a good neighbor this winter: Salt smart!

We all want to prioritize safety, but it is critical to understand that more salt does not always mean less ice or safer conditions. Luckily, there are actions we can take to help improve water quality and keep our neighbors safe this winter.

Start with a mini-course on proper salting! 

View the Clean Water Minnesota Salting Guide

Resident Shoveling Snow

How to manage snow and ice this winter:

  1. Shovel as soon as possible after a snowstorm to prevent ice buildup. 
  2. Add an ice scraper to your toolbox. These are often more effective than salt when ice has built up on sidewalks and driveways.  
  3. Read the label on your deicer to make sure it will work in the current weather conditions. At low temperatures, typically colder than 15 degrees F, regular road salt will not melt ice.
  4. Use sand or grit for traction when temperatures are too cold for salt to work. 
  5. Use salt sparingly. Try to scatter salt grains three inches apart. This will melt ice faster than salt that is too close together.
  6. Sweep up extra salt for reuse! 
  7. Store salt in a covered area, safe from moisture.