Winter Salt Week Returns Jan. 26–30, Highlighting Threat of Salt Pollution

Communities and environmental groups across the nation are gearing up for Winter Salt Week, January 26–30, 2026, a public education campaign aimed at reducing the environmental impact of road salt and promoting smarter snow-and-ice management practices.

The annual event, organized by a coalition of governmental and nonprofit partners, focuses on raising awareness about how excess winter salt harms freshwater ecosystems, corrodes infrastructure, and threatens drinking water supplies — problems that begin once snowmelt carries salt into lakes, rivers and groundwater.

Throughout the week, free livestreamed webinars will feature scientists, public works professionals, and policy experts discussing solutions such as “smart salting” techniques, alternative de-icers, and community-level success stories of reducing salt use without sacrificing safety. Local events and resources will help individuals, municipalities, and contractors adopt practices that protect water quality.

In addition to virtual sessions, organizations nationwide are hosting related activities, from water monitoring and volunteer salt watch programs to workshops on best practices in winter maintenance.

Organizers encourage municipalities, businesses, and residents to participate, share information, and take steps toward keeping both roads safe and water clean. Registration and more details can be found at wintersaltweek.org.