Keep reading to learn more about the Salt Watch program.
Road salt is an unpurified version of table salt, sodium chloride. Though it’s useful for melting ice off our roadways, it can be dangerous for our waterways. After application, salt accumulates on streets, sidewalks, and cars, and eventually flows into the nearest river or stream when the snow melts or it rains. Columbia Association hopes to identify areas of excessive salt usage, which will then be targeted for additional outreach and education. Engaging residents in this community stream monitoring raises awareness, increases education, and supports water quality goals. Keep reading to learn more about the Salt Watch program.
The Dangers of Salt in Groundwater
Over-application of salt during winter weather is wasteful and contaminates local waterways and drinking water. Excess salt runs off driveways and sidewalks and into streams. These streams feed into drinking water reservoirs and groundwater wells in our region. Unfortunately, salt is not removed at water treatment plants, and increased sodium levels in drinking water can be a health concern for many.
Just one teaspoon of salt contaminates five gallons of fresh water!
What is Salt Watch?
The goals of Salt Watch are to raise awareness in the general public about the connection between winter salt and public health, to identify waterways with high levels of winter salt pollution, and to advocate for smarter salting practices by sharing Salt Watch results with private landowners and local and state agencies.
How You Can Help
Volunteers are needed for “Salt Watch” to track the amount of road salt seeping into water supplies in Town Center and other Columbia Villages. To volunteer, contact John Klein, President/CEO of CoastWatch at: [email protected]
All of us can help by requesting a FREE Salt Watch kit to find out which winter salt pollution is a problem in our local waters. When you’ve signed up with Salt Watch, let Mr. Klein know that you want to participate in this effort, and you will receive a FREE kit to take water samples. Mr. Klein is working with Town Center’s Watershed Steward Robert Moynihan.
THRIVE AT COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER
Town Center is one of the ten villages of Columbia, Maryland. Our Village offices are located in Historic Oakland, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Howard County. In the heart of Columbia, Town Center’s residents enjoy living in an urban community in a suburban setting with close proximity to all Columbia amenities, attractions, and cultural activities. Visit us to learn more about our community at 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044. Call us at 410-730-4744 or visit our website https://www.columbiatowncenter.org/