The impact of road salt on drinking water in Ontario

Every winter, Ontario applies millions of tonnes of road salt to keep highways, streets, and sidewalks safe from ice and snow. While this practice helps prevent accidents, it has a hidden consequence—road salt doesn’t simply disappear after use. Instead, it seeps into groundwater, rivers, and lakes, increasing chloride levels in drinking water sources.

High chloride concentrations can corrode pipes, harm aquatic life, and pose potential health risks. With Ontario’s growing concerns over water quality, understanding the long-term effects of road salt contamination is essential.

This guide explores:
✅ How road salt enters drinking water
✅ The effects of chloride contamination on health and the environment
✅ Ontario’s strategies to manage road salt pollution
✅ What homeowners and businesses can do to reduce salt impact

To explore the guide and learn more from Canadian Water Compliance, please click here.