Posted by – Shawn Keenan, Assistant City Planner

We all know that salt keeps our communities safe by reducing the number of vehicle accidents, as well as slip and fall accidents. Unfortunately, salt doesn’t just disappear when all the snow melts; it is washed into our lakes, rivers, and streams and has an almost immediate effect on water quality.  As a homeowner, consider reducing salt use by applying brine, not rock salt, before a snow storm and shoveling frequently to keep snow from accumulating.  This is the best way to save your back, your knees, and our local rivers like the Clinton and Rouge!

Brine, a mixture of salt and water, has become a great alternative to traditional rock salt,  The transition to using brine for a homeowner has minimal costs.  Brine can be pre-mixed in large quantities and stored in your basement or garage.  By spraying brine, you have more control over your application, so you don’t apply over the same area twice, and it won’t bounce off the driveway the way rock salt can.  Brine starts working much faster than rock salt due to the increased contact area with the snow.  The best method is to apply the brine before a snow storm begins.

For more information on how you can improve and protect your local rivers, lakes, and streams, please visit our website.  To report pollution, please call our Department at 248-364-6900.