Salt Watch & Nitrate Watch

The image discusses nitrate pollution, its role in harmful algal blooms, and promotes Nitrate Watch for community awareness and testing.

Image shows correct vs. incorrect salt amounts for ice management, plus tips on using the right amount of salt effectively.

The image discusses nitrate pollution, its impact on algal blooms, and how Nitrate Watch helps assess waterway nitrate levels.

The image explains nutrient pollution and eutrophication, detailing causes, effects, and the cycle of algal blooms and oxygen depletion.

The image discusses the impacts of road salt, particularly chloride, on freshwater ecosystems, affecting fish, invertebrates, and amphibians.

The image discusses the need for water treatment plants to manage chloride levels and health risks associated with corrosion and contaminated water.

Road salt causes chloride pollution in U.S. waterways, impacting health. EPA standard: 250 mg/L; sodium should be <20 mg/L for sensitive diets.

The image discusses the impacts of road salt on plants, soils, and wildlife, highlighting pollution effects and safety tips.

What is Salt Watch?

Do you know that Americans use roughly 20-30 million tons of salt every year? As snow and
rain wash away, all of that salt is carried into our storm drains, our streams, and even our
drinking water! You can help make a difference by joining the Jefferson Soil & Water Cosnervation District & the Izaak Walton League by participating in Salt Watch.

Road salt (sodium chloride) is everywhere during winter months. Salt keeps us safe: but too much of any salt is a problem. It keeps us safe on roads and sidewalks, but it can also pose a threat to fish and wildlife as well as human health. Fish and bugs that live in freshwater streams can't survive in extra salty water. And many of us (more than 117 million Americans) depend on local streams for drinking water. Water treatment plants are not equipped to filter out the extra salt, so it can end up in your tap water and even corrode your pipes.

What is Nitrate Watch?

Nitrate (NO3–) is a naturally occurring compound made up of nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but human activities produce more nitrogen than natural systems can use.

Fertilizers, manure and sewage all add extra nitrogen to the landscape. As this nitrogen moves through the environment, it becomes nitrate. The nitrate can then make its way to streams and sources of drinking water via surface runoff or groundwater saturation. Excess nitrate in water can pose serious problems for the health of humans and the environment.

When we consume high levels of nitrate in drinking water, certain health conditions including blue baby syndrome, cancers, thyroid disease, and birth defects are more likely to occur. In aquatic ecosystems, nitrate can have disastrous impacts, including the creation of algae blooms, fish kills, and dead zones.

You can help!

The Jefferson Soil & Water Conservation District will provide you with a FREE test kit, thanks to the Izaak Walton League. This is a great activity for all ages to help gather important data and make a difference in your community. These kits are great for families, student groups, and for anyone looking to get outside and explore local natural resources. All that we ask is that you provide us with your test results.