About Us

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority's Watershed Protection Programs Division was formed in 1999 to administer a systematic source water protection program for the watersheds that the Authority relies upon for its water supply. The Division's primary objectives include the development and implementation of projects that afford protection of the quantity and quality of the source water in the Raritan and Manasquan River Basins, and the Delaware & Raritan Canal and its tributaries for the benefit of the Authority and its customers. Read more and meet our staff >>

"Watershed Wanderings" Blog Update

What's New

• Press Release -- RARITAN HEADWATERS ASSOCIATION FORMED -- Merger of Upper Raritan and South Branch Watershed Associations Strengthens Protection of New Jersey's Water Supplies

• Rain barrel workshop in Somerville; environmental devices have become mainstream

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(Photo credit: Lake Champlain International)

Did you know that road salt makes its way to streams after the snow melts? Did you know that snow and ice melt chemicals are often toxic to roadside vegetation? Now winter is already here and snow is on its way, it is a good time to give some thoughts about the road salt and how we can help to protect our environment while maintaining safety after a winter storm.

In New Jersey, the demand for ice-free roadways and sidewalks has led to an increase in the use of deicing salts. Storm runoff containing road salts used in deicing operations has become a source of contamination of surface and subsurface water bodies and water ways which provide clean water for human consumption. The impact of salt runoff on the environment, and high corrosion rates in highway structures and vehicles have been identified as major issues of concern. Click here to learn more about Highway Salt and Our Environment.

The two most commonly applied deicing salts are sodium chloride and calcium chloride. Although calcium chloride is more effective at melting ice, sodium chloride (rock salt) is used most widely because it is relatively inexpensive and is easier to handle. To improve traction, de-icing salts are usually mixed with abrasives. These abrasives, which include sand, cinders, gravel, and sawdust, can accumulate along roadways and cause drainage problems.

Plants become injured by salt when roots and foliage come into contact with salt-laden water. Salted water percolates down through the soil and comes into contact with soil particles, soil microbes, and plant roots. "In plants sensitive to excessive salt, affected foliage may appear "scorched" and drop prematurely. In severe cases, the death of twigs, branches, and sometimes the entire plant, may occur" (Karen Kackley-Dutt, 2004). Click her to learn more about how the deicing salt can affect roadside vegetation.

The adverse environmental implications arising from improper use of salt and the proposed regulatory requirements have made many state departments of transportation (DOTs) to take a proactive approach towards controlling storm water runoff containing salt. Many local government agencies are reviewing the techniques and material use at their local maintenance facilities to adopt favorable management practices and techniques that minimizes salt use and hence salt runoff (Jay N. Meegoda, 2004). Click here to learn more about the Strategies to Mitigate Salt Runoff.

Other Useful Links

   The Salt Institute
   Learn About Road Salt Alternatives Before Winter's Here To Stay - NJ.com
   Hazards of Road Salt Begin to Get Attention, from Clean Water Action
   Environmental Impacts of Road Salt and Alternatives in the New York City Watershed
    Road Salt Impacts on Drinking Water

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