Winter in Wisconsin creates tension between safety and water quality when excess salt from our roads and sidewalks flows into our waterways. As chloride levels rise, planning commissions, municipalities, water utilities, and sewerage districts are facing the problem without a statewide strategy. The Wisconsin Salt Wise Partnership has spearheaded salt reduction efforts to protect Dane County’s freshwater ecosystems and is now prepared to rally local and regional champions, expand training, and continue education of winter maintenance and water softening statewide.