Shoveling frequently during storms and using just one entrance into your home can reduce the amount of pollution going into local water each winter.
Image credit: Peter Facey
Transcript of the Audio Podcast:
Preventing stormwater pollution in winter… on this CurrentCast.
Salt, sand, chemical concoctions, and even fertilizers are used to melt ice and provide traction in wintry climates. But when the snow and ice melt, those same items, which provide a safe environment, wash into storm drains and local water supplies.
The side-effects of these common winter products include reducing oxygen levels in water, burning and killing vegetation, or increasing sediment buildup in the water – all of which can degrade aquatic habitats.
So to stay safe – and reduce the amount of pollution going into the water this winter – try these tips: shovel frequently during storms, use only one entrance to your home, and use just as much product as necessary – and no more.
Learn More:
- “Four Ways to Reduce Winter Stormwater Pollution” from Blue Water Baltimore
- “What Happens to All the Salt We Dump on Roads?” from Smithsonian
The fine print:
- This segment was produced in partnership with Cornell’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future
