Join us on January 31st between 1-3pm to monitor the local waterways in Gaithersburg, Maryland for road salt pollution and to learn how salt affects our health and freshwater ecosystems, what’s being done, and how we can support local efforts. Members of the media, government officials, nongovernmental organizations, and members of the public are invited to this event.

Much of the event will take place inside with stream monitoring taking place outside at 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Speakers are scheduled to speak at 1 and 2pm (see agenda above). Local organizations will have tables with information, and volunteer water monitors, government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders will be available for interviews and discussion about road salt. If you are a stakeholder, we invite YOU to attend and offer your perspective!

While this event is free, we ask that you please register in advance so that we can notify you in case of cancellation due to inclement weather.

Winter Salt Awareness Week:

This in-person event is part of a larger event, Winter Salt Awareness Week, which runs from January 27-31st. Winter Salt Awareness Week is a collaboration of governmental and non-governmental organizations across the United States and Canada with a goal to raise awareness around salt pollution and reduction solutions. An informed public can support the adoption of best practices in snow and ice control and advocate for the protection of freshwater resources.

Throughout the week, there will be livestreams from experts across the country ending with Salt Watch monitoring events on January 31st.

To learn more about Winter Salt Awareness Week and register for livestreams, please visit: www.wintersaltweek.org.

The Impacts of Too Much Salt

Although salt keeps our roads safe during winter, using more salt than needed comes at an expensive price to our waterways, our infrastructure, and our drinking water. Winter salt runs off the roads and becomes a permanent pollutant in our waterways. Only one teaspoon of road salt permanently pollutes five gallons of water.

Data compiled by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin shows a 10-fold increase in chloride (a chemical released from the breakdown of winter salt) in the Potomac River at Great Falls over the past 80 years.

There are 28 streams in Maryland considered impaired by chloride.

This event is brought to you by the Izaak Walton League of America, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin.