Winter Salt Week 2026

Date/Time: 
Monday, January 26, 2026 - 12:00am to Friday, January 30, 2026 - 11:45pm
Location: 
Online and at the Lake Champlain Research Conference (Davis Center, Burlington, VT)

Every winter, tons of salt are spread on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks to keep us safe. But once the snow melts, that salt doesn’t disappear—it washes into our lakes, streams, and groundwater. Rising salt levels corrode infrastructure, stress wildlife, contaminate soils, and pose risks to drinking water supplies.

Lake Champlain Sea Grant and UVM Extension are joining partners across the country to spotlight this growing challenge during Winter Salt Week, January 26–30, 2026. The week is dedicated to helping communities understand the impacts of salt pollution and explore practical steps we can all take to protect freshwater.

Throughout the week, leading experts in environmental science, public works, engineering, and policy will share insights on smarter winter maintenance, community action, and innovative solutions already taking root. Whether you’re a resident, property manager, or simply curious about protecting local waters, there’s something for you.

Join us daily at 1:30 ET / 12:30 CT for a series of free, live YouTube events.
 Register and learn more at www.wintersaltweek.org.

Together, we can keep winter roads safe and our waters healthy.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.