• When: Friday, January 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: Borough Hall, 401 E. Gay St., West Chester, PA 19380.
• Cost: Free. RSVPs are appreciated but not required.

Is Your Local Stream Getting Salty?

Salt keeps us safe on icy roads — but it’s also quietly harming waterways. Every winter, millions of tons of salt are spread on roads, sidewalks, and driveways to combat snow and ice. While it’s effective at reducing slippery conditions, the consequences for freshwater ecosystems, infrastructure, and drinking water are profound, especially as winter salt use has risen dramatically over the past 50 years.

If you live in the West Chester area and are worried about salt pollution in your local stream, collect a water sample and bring it to the testing event. Volunteers will test it for chloride and conductivity, and Stroud Water Research Center scientists will add the data to the interactive salt map at stroudcenter.info/saltmap.

Get Your Streamwater Tested

1. Download and print the salt snapshot sample data sheet. (This is optional, but will expedite testing at the event.)
2. While at your sample site, record the location as precisely as possible by dropping a pin in a mapping app on your phone.
3. Collect about two cups of water in a clean container for each sample.
4. Fill out the data form with your sample information.
5. Bring your samples and data form to the West Chester Borough Hall between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, January 30.

RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Questions? Email communications@stroudcenter.org.