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

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Spring Lake Park Reserve, Rosemount
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Near the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, Hastings