The New Hope City Council has declared Jan. 26–30, 2026, as Winter Salt Week, highlighting the importance of responsible salt use to protect local lakes, streams and drinking water while maintaining public safety.

While salt helps keep roads and sidewalks safe, overuse damages vehicles, roads and bridges and permanently pollutes freshwater. Just one teaspoon of salt can permanently contaminate five gallons of water.

“The City of New Hope is focused on using the right amount of salt at the right time,” said New Hope Public Works Director Bernie Weber. “Smart salting practices help us protect water resources while keeping our community safe.”

The City of New Hope works to reduce salt use while maintaining safe winter conditions by carefully calibrating winter maintenance equipment, incorporating salt brine and other efficient application methods and providing ongoing training to operators on best practices for responsible salt application.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to follow the four “S’s” of smart salting: Shovel snow before salting, Scatter lightly, Switch to sand or alternatives below 15°F and Sweep up excess salt after ice melts.

Winter Salt Week helps advance the City’s environmental goals, and New Hope partners with local watershed organizations to promote the Low Salt, No Salt Minnesota program.

Learn more about Winter Salt Week and salt reduction tips at wintersaltweek.org.