Salt Responsibly

Winter salt helps clear our walkways, driveways and parking lots of snow and ice. You only need one tablespoon of salt per square metre area, or a sidewalk slab, for it to be effective at melting ice. Remember that winter salt is most effective when temperatures are between 0°C and -10°C

It is important to use winter salt sparingly as it can end up in your drinking water supply after it melts. When water becomes contaminated with salt, there is no effective way to get it out. It can be destructive to freshwater ecosystems.

York Region's Source Water Protection program protects your drinking water sources from contamination, including winter salt. Everyone can help protect our water supply by limiting the amount of salt used.

On your property 

Before you start shaking out winter salt, consider your drinking water supply.

When the ice melts, the salt remains on the ground. Excessive salt can end up in the groundwater and contaminate your drinking water, with no effective way to get it out.

There are areas in York Region called York Region Drinking Water Protection Zones that are at a higher risk of drinking water contamination. Find out if you live or work in one of these areas by checking the map below.

York Region Drinking Water Protection Zone Map

Follow these tips to Salt Responsibly:

  • A little salt goes a long way: use one tablespoon of winter salt per sidewalk slab – more salt does not mean more ice melting
  • Shovel snow early and often if you are able: use less winter salt by letting the sun do the melting for you
  • Use sand to provide traction when temperatures drop below -10°C: winter salt is most effective when temperatures are between 0°C and -10°C
  • Prevent ice from forming: position downspouts away from driveways and walkways and keep eavestroughs and storm drains clear
  • Wait to reapply: Even when you cannot see it, salt is hard at work
  • Salt does not expire: Sweep it up and save it for later. Clean up spilled and excess salt to use another time 

Road salt can also negatively affect: 

  • Animals: Freshwater fish can’t survive in water that’s too salty; wildlife are attracted to salt on or by the road, leading to a threat of collisions; pets can get salt trapped into their paws which can irritate and crack their skin
  • Buildings: outside structures (bricks/concrete/sidewalks), doorways and flooring may become damaged, increasing repair costs
  • Clothing: salt can stain and potentially ruin footwear and clothing
  • Vegetation (plants/trees/shrubs): if sprayed with salt, vegetation can lose its hardiness to the cold and be killed by freezing temperatures and high salt levels
  • Vehicles: salt accelerates rusting, causing damage and increasing repair costs 

Stay safe this winter by reducing the risk of falls. Learn more at Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention | York Region

Falls are predictable and preventable! Prepare for the snow and icy conditions by reviewing Winter Safety Tips

On York Region Roads 

Road salt is one part of York Region's comprehensive winter maintenance program, along with plowing, sanding and anti-icing treatments. Our winter maintenance operations are designed to balance road safety with environmental responsibility.

Road salt helps prevent ice from forming and breaks the bond between snow, ice and pavement, making roads safer and easier to clear. Road salt is applied only when needed, in the right amount, at the right time and in the right location. Sand may also be used to improve traction when temperatures are too cold for road salt to be effective.

York Region uses advanced weather forecasting, road weather monitoring systems and vehicle technology to support responsible winter maintenance decisions. Anti-icing techniques, including salt brine applications before winter weather events when conditions allow, help prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road and can reduce the amount of salt required during and after a storm.

We are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of road salt. York Region follows a Salt Management Plan and industry best practices for storing, handling and applying winter materials. Equipment is regularly maintained and calibrated, and operations are continuously reviewed to identify opportunities to reduce salt use while maintaining safe roads.

Learn more at york.ca/Roads

On commercial property and parking lots

Do you own a business in a York Region Source Water Protection Area? Take action to Salt Responsibly and help protect your drinking water. Find out if your business is located in a York Region Drinking Water Protection Zone.

York Region Drinking Water Protection Zone Map

York Region provides education and training to our contractors to manage salt risks and protect the environment. York Region also encourages builders and developers to create salt management plans for parking lots.

Whether you are working with snow removal contractors or manage it in-house, remember the following:

  • Hire Smart About Salt certified contractors
  • Create a salt management plan for large lots
  • Pile snow on paved areas near storm drains, not landscaped spaces 

We do our best to ensure we apply the right amount of material, in the right place at the right time.

Stay safe this winter by reducing the risk of falls. Learn more at Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention | York Region

Resources