Water Resources - 1.26 - 1.30: Winter Salt Week 2026
Winter Salt Week – January 26-30, 2026
Join Dakota County, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, and local watershed organizations in sampling for chloride in water by requesting a monitoring kit from Salt Watch. Stop by a Dakota County Library branch to learn how you can use less salt and reduce chloride pollution while staying safe this winter.
Chloride levels in Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and groundwater are increasing over time, largely attributed to overuse of de-icing salt. One teaspoon of salt pollutes five gallons of water, with no feasible way to remove it. Salt damages property and the environment, harms aquatic species and impacts drinking water quality.
With friends or family, collect a water sample from a local lake, stream, or wetland and test it for chloride using the Izaak Walton League of America’s Salt Watch Kit. While at your favorite Dakota County library:
- Browse book displays on winter topics and pick up a bookmark.
- Have fun on a scavenger hunt!
- Kids activities include Salty Dawg activity book, temporary tattoos, origami and buttons!
- Learn how to be a Smart Salter and pick up a cup to use the right amount of salt if it is needed.
- Know what watershed you live in and how you can help protect local water resources.
More information about Winter Salt Week
Winter Salt Week is January 26-30, 2026. This event is a collaboration of governmental and non-governmental organizations across the United States and Canada. Winter salt use damages infrastructure and threatens the health of lakes, streams and drinking water. The goal of the event is to engage with Minnesotans on chloride pollution in your community and continue ‘working to keep freshwater fresh.’
Visit www.wintersaltweek.org for more information and to learn about the daily webinars including Minnesota speakers providing public works perspectives and presenting on the policy solutions panel.
Program Contact
Lindsey Albright
Monitoring and Outreach Coordinator
Dakota County SWCD
Qualifications Required
- Signed Volunteer Waiver Must be at least Yes
- Accepted Data Privacy Notice - Tennessen Notice Must be Yes
