The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched a new public awareness campaign called “Don’t Be Salty, New York,” aimed at encouraging residents to use less rock salt during winter months. The initiative seeks to balance public safety with environmental protection by promoting best practices for salt application on roads, sidewalks, and driveways.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasized the environmental impact of excessive salt use, stating, “It only takes one teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water. We’re asking all New Yorkers to take common-sense precautions before using too much rock salt on their sidewalks, driveways, and other places around their homes and businesses to help prevent unknowingly harming our environment. ‘Don’t Be Salty’ and help save your money, remain safe, and protect our waterbodies.”
The campaign is part of a broader effort that includes education for property owners and snow removal professionals about the consequences of overusing rock salt. It follows recommendations from the 2023 Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force report and builds on survey data collected in 2024 regarding public perceptions of salt usage. DEC worked with ADK Action’s “Clean Water Safe Roads” campaign to expand outreach beyond the Adirondacks.
State agencies are collaborating on this issue. The DEC works closely with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the Department of Health to coordinate strategies for reducing road salt use while maintaining safety standards.
In August 2025, NYSDOT expanded its road salt management pilot program statewide for the 2025-26 winter season. The department has been working for more than ten years to reduce road salt usage through measures such as enhanced training for snowplow operators, direct liquid applications instead of granular salts, testing new equipment, and implementing best management practices. As a result, average application rates have decreased from 194 pounds per lane-mile over seven years to 172 pounds per lane-mile during the 2024-25 season.
NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez commented on these efforts: “Our crews are among the finest snow fighting forces in the nation and part of what makes them so good is the commitment to not only maintain public safety but also to be good stewards of the environment. For more than a decade we have been working to minimize road salt use as much as possible and the results speak for themselves. Now, it’s time to expand the battle. We encourage everyone to implement judicious salt management practices that minimize salt use while still maintaining safety. A less salty winter will mean a greener, healthier future for us all.”
The DEC recommends several steps residents can take: shoveling before applying rock salt; using measured amounts—such as one cup per driveway or ten sidewalk squares; applying only where necessary; using spreaders; monitoring weather conditions since rock salt loses effectiveness below 15°F; considering alternatives like sand or homemade brine solutions; and choosing products listed under GreenNY specifications.
Excessive rock salt can contaminate waterways through runoff or groundwater infiltration. It can harm aquatic life and plants by increasing salinity levels in surface waters or soils—sometimes allowing non-native species that tolerate higher salinity levels to thrive at others’ expense—and attract wildlife such as deer onto roadsides where accidents may occur more frequently. Sodium from road salts may also enter drinking water supplies—a concern especially for those with sodium-restricted diets—and corrode infrastructure including pipes made from lead or copper as well as vehicles and bridges.
According to estimates cited by USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), corrosion caused by road salts leads to approximately $5 billion in annual repairs across U.S infrastructure.
To support municipalities addressing these challenges, DEC offers resources including fact sheets about funding opportunities under its Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP), educational videos, podcasts available via its website, articles in its Conservationist magazine covering problems associated with overuse of rock salts along with solutions being implemented statewide.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration continues investing in water quality improvements across New York State through competitive grant programs supporting projects designed both directly improve water quality/habitat/flood resilience/climate adaptation/protection drinking sources—with further awards expected soon specifically targeting storage/reduction practices related road salts.