Village of Westmont
Date Issued: Dec. 23, 2015
DuPage County residents are encouraged to reduce the use of road salt this winter in an effort to decrease chloride concentrations in the County’s waterways. According to a 2012 report from the Illinois State Water Survey, chloride concentrations in Illinois waterways have been steadily increasing since the 1960s. Much of the increase can be attributed to road salts that are used in the winter to melt snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways and roads. Road salts are carried into storm drains and streams via stormwater runoff. Once in waterways, chlorides never fully dissipate and can be harmful for aquatic life at high levels. Residents can reduce the use of road salt by utilizing best management practices for snow and ice removal, including:
Removing snow prior to applying a de-icer;
Applying just enough de-icer to reduce hazard; and
Sweeping up and properly storing product after a storm for reuse.
For more information, visit:
www.dupageco.org/EDP/Stormwater_Management/Water_Quality/1193/
