Dane County Board Recognizes Winter Salt Week

January 15, 2026
Dylan Moffitt, Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator, (608) 228-9053
County Board

DANE COUNTY, Wis. — On Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, the Dane County Board of Supervisors officially recognized Jan. 26-30, 2026, as Winter Salt Week. The board passed 2025 RES-291 to mark this observance raising awareness about the environmental, public health, and infrastructure impacts of deicing salt and to promote responsible winter maintenance practices.

Deicing salt applied to roads, parking lots and sidewalks eventually washes into lakes, streams and groundwater, contributing to rising chloride levels across Dane County and causing measurable impacts on drinking water and aquatic ecosystems. Overuse of salt also damages buildings, bridges and other infrastructure, increasing maintenance and repair costs for local governments, businesses and property owners.

 

“Winter salt plays an important role in keeping our roads and sidewalks safe, but its long-term impacts on our lakes and drinking water are well documented,” said Supervisor David Boetcher (Dist. 25), who read the resolution. “Winter Salt Week is an opportunity to share practical guidance that helps residents, businesses and public agencies use salt more responsibly without compromising safety.”

This resolution emphasizes that effective and affordable alternatives exist, including the use of brine, sand, and improved application techniques that maintain public safety while reducing environmental harm.

“Salt pollution is a local problem with actionable solutions,” said Allison Madison, program manager for the Wisconsin Salt Wise Program. “The health of our lakes, streams, and drinking water, continues to degrade with excessive applications of winter salt on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. Recognition of Winter Salt Week is a great first step.”

The Dane County Board of Supervisors reaffirms its commitment to adopting practices that reduce salt pollution and protect Dane County’s infrastructure, lakes, streams, and drinking water for future generations and encourages county residents to adopt similar practices.

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About the Dane County Board of Supervisors: The Dane County Board of Supervisors is the legislative and policymaking body of Dane County government. Composed of 37 supervisors elected to represent each county district, the county board’s mission is to effectively represent the people of Dane County, providing services that secure the blessings of freedom, ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and perfect the forms of government. Learn more about the county board at https://board.danecounty.gov/.