Take part in Winter Salt Week 2026 (January 26–30) by registering for free virtual sessions that bring together organizations from across the U.S. and Canada to share practical, effective ways to reduce salt use while keeping people safe. Learn from experts, explore real-world success stories, and pick up smart winter maintenance strategies that protect our rivers and lakes. You can also engage locally at MWMO through a salting exhibit in our gallery throughout the week, and join us for Salts & Sweets on January 31 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. for educational displays, conversations with MWMO staff, and limited Salt Smart mugs and traction grit available while supplies last.
What is Winter Salt Week?
Simply put, Winter Salt Week is a chance for communities across the United States and Canada to learn about winter salt use and its impact on the environment. When cities, businesses, and homeowners apply salt to roads and sidewalks, that salt can eventually wash into lakes and rivers — or seep into our drinking water supply.
Much like how runoff picks up pollutants and carries them into the nearest body of water, melting snow and ice carry dissolved salt along for the ride. Over time, this excess chloride can damage infrastructure, harm aquatic life, and contaminate our freshwater resources.
Winter Salt Week shines a spotlight on these challenges while highlighting solutions — from smart salting practices to innovative technologies — that help us use less salt without sacrificing safety. By staying informed and sharing what we learn, we can encourage the adoption of best practices in snow and ice control, ultimately protecting our local waters and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.
What’s Happening
Daily Livestreams with Experts
From January 26–29, join 30-minute livestreams at 12:30 p.m. (CT) featuring experts discussing chloride pollution, its environmental impacts, and innovative solutions for reducing salt use. On January 30, participants can choose to attend one of two one-hour conversation tables, offered at 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. (CT), for a deeper, more interactive discussion around smart salting practices.
Schedule Highlights
Select a session image to view the full description and registration details.
January 26–30
Local Events
Throughout the week, explore shareable resources and visit the local events page to find opportunities in your community. From ordering a Salt Watch kit to teaming up with neighbors to sweep up excess salt, small actions can help keep salt out of our waterways.
January 28
MPCA Community Leaders Workshop
Join the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for a free, two-hour interactive online workshop starting at 10 a.m. focused on chloride’s impacts on infrastructure and water resources and practical policy actions communities can take.
January 31
Salts and Sweets
Join us on January 31 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. for Salts & Sweets at MWMO to learn about smart salting and salt’s impact on water quality through an educational exhibit and conversations with staff. Limited Salt Smart mugs and traction grit will be available while supplies last.
Get Involved
- Register for Livestreams: Sign up here to join the daily webinars from home.
- Visit Us: Explore our smart salting exhibit in the gallery during Winter Salt Week, and join us for Salts & Sweets on January 31 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.).
- Spread the Word: Encourage your city, watershed, or local leaders to participate.
- Plan a Local Action Day Event: Host a salt-monitoring session or share resources with your community.
Together, we can work toward a safer, cleaner, and less salty winter. Join us January 26–30, 2026, for Winter Salt Week!
Why It Matters
Road salt is one of the leading contributors to water pollution in Minnesota and beyond. In the Twin Cities area alone, the bulk of the salt applied to roads, sidewalks, and parking lots is eventually carried into local lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Even a small amount — just one teaspoon of salt — can permanently contaminate five gallons of water. Over time, this chloride buildup can damage infrastructure, harm fish and other aquatic life, and threaten our drinking water supply.
Fortunately, there are many ways to protect our water resources while still maintaining safe winter conditions. Visit our Snow and Ice Removal page for practical tips on smart salting, using traction grit, and shoveling early to reduce ice buildup. You can also explore the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Smart Salting resources for guidance on best practices, whether you’re maintaining your own property or hiring a certified contractor.
For an in-depth discussion, check out Designing for a Low-Salt Future with Connie Fortin | River of Ideas, Episode 06 in which host Nick Busse and Low-Salt Strategist Connie Fortin dive into the pressing issue of chloride pollution. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube to learn how smart salting practices can protect our waterways without compromising safety.