Winter is when we all discover two timeless truths: ice is dangerous, and people love dumping half a bag of salt like it’s a competitive sport.
Road salt absolutely helps keep roads and sidewalks safer during winter storms. But when it’s overapplied, it becomes a serious freshwater pollution problem. Winter Salt Week exists to tackle that exact tension: keeping communities safe while protecting streams, rivers, and drinking water sources.
Winter Salt Week 2026 runs January 26–30, and it’s a national awareness event focused on road salt pollution and practical ways to reduce it.
Two easy ways to get involved:
- Join the free daily livestreams
Throughout the week, experts will share practical “smart salting” strategies that protect freshwater, drinking water, and wildlife. - Take action locally with Salt Watch
You can request a free Salt Watch kit from the Izaak Walton League of America to monitor chloride levels in neighborhood streams.
Whether you reduce the amount of salt you use at home, talk with neighbors, report salt piles near storm drains, or speak with local officials about winter maintenance practices, small actions add up.
Winter Salt Week is your reminder (and your opportunity) to make winter safety smarter and freshwater protection easier.
