(WFRV) - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Wisconsin Salt Wise are reminding the public about the impacts of road salt and drinking water in freshwater ecosystems during Winter Salt Awareness Week. According to a press release from the DNR, Winter Salt Awareness Week is January 27 to 31 and focuses on how to keep Wisconsin roads safe during the winter. A series of YouTube live streams focusing on the topic will be made available by the Wisconsin Salt Wise YouTube Channel for viewing. The DNR says that using more road salt than needed can come at a price and that in Wisconsin, chlorides from salt can infiltrate lakes, streams, and groundwater systems. According to Wisconsin Salt Wise, just one teaspoon of road salt will create five gallons of toxic water harmful to freshwater life. Sustainably Speaking: Importance of using less salt this winter "All 43 of the long-term trend water quality monitoring sites across Wisconsin are showing increases in chlorides," said Shannon Haydin, DNR Storm Water Section Manager. "Chlorides persist in the environment forever and cause significant impacts to fish, aquatic life, and human health. In Wisconsin, we are seeing evidence of Fresh Water Salinization Syndrome which is a condition where our freshwater becomes more like ocean water in terms of its saltiness." The release highlights that the increase in chloride is partly due to road salting during the winter, but chlorides can also enter Wisconsin waters due to water softeners and fertilizers. The DNR said nationwide, winter road salt causes $5 billion in damage every year, causing bridges, roads, and infrastructures to corrode. In Wisconsin, 39% of the community wells exceed the Wisconsin Department of Health Services' recommended sodium level. This can mean individuals managing diseases by limiting salt in their diet can take in more salt than they realize. The DNR recommended following these steps for salt use: Shovel: Clear walkways and other areas before the snow turns to ice. The more snow removed manually, the less salt you will need and the more effective it will be. Scatter: When using salt, scatter it so there is space between the grains. A 12-ounce coffee mug of salt is enough to treat an entire 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares. If you see oversalting, Wisconsin Salt Wise offers some simple steps to help educate others about salt. Switch: Salt is much less effective when pavement temperatures drop below 15 degrees. Switch to sand for traction or a different ice melter that works at lower temperatures. City of Green Bay combating icy road conditions The DNR helps reduce chlorides at the source by giving permits to cities and counties across the state. This includes fixing or changing water softeners, finding the biggest sources of chlorides, and looking for ways to lower them by improving processes or making new sewer rules. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation also works with counties to use less road salt by spraying brine and wetting roads first, which helps save salt. Now is the time to make a change and reduce salt use when we can. Shannon Haydin, DNR Storm Water Section Manager\ For more information, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov.