Winter road care salting metro lakes and rivers

by Trevor Russell

A recent University of Minnesota study shows the application of winter salt on roads and sidewalks is beginning to take a toll on metro area lakes, streams and wetlands, as MPR reported recently. Spring runoff carries salts through storm drains to nearby waters, which are retaining excess salts and slowly becoming more saline. This has potential long-term impacts on metro area water resources.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 7:30am
Along the river in St. Paul
Monday, June 8, 2026 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area, Hastings
Various paddle tours and events, June 12-14
Along or in the Mississippi and Crow rivers, spanning from Minneapolis to Brainerd.