We often hear in medical reports that when it comes to salt, we can have too much of a good thing. Though the “salt” we use on winter roadways is a different product, the same wisdom holds true. But do you know why too much salt on the road is not a good thing?

Some people learn best by seeing the end result of our actions.

The next time you are travelling down Route 30 or 75, take a look at the trees growing along the sides of the highway. Are the evergreens looking brown, especially toward the ground? There is a good chance that those trees are suffering from the salt spray that is projected off the highway by vehicles.

Excess salt, like many products applied to our roadways, ends up washing off the road and into various water sources, including streams, ponds, and ground water. The salt may become a contaminant, making it more costly for water treatment facilities. Salt in the waterways may also affect plants, crops, and animals, both in the wild and our domestic pets.

Vehicles are also affected by excess salt on the roads. If the salt from the roads is not washed off your vehicle regularly, it may cause rust and deterioration, decreasing the value and life of your vehicle.

We apply salt to the roads to help make the roads less slippery during the winter months. Salt application varies based on the weather conditions, and there may never be as much salt on the roads as you think there should be. Please remember to slow down and drive cautiously, especially when the roads pose a hazard due to slick conditions.

The Village Voice
The Village of Ada publishes informational articles about Village policies and services currently offered. These articles are for informational purposes only.

Further details and the complete Codified Ordinances may be found on the Village website, www.adaoh.org, or by calling the Village Offices at 419-634-4045.