Chloride Levels in Local Waterways

Chloride levels were tested and monitored in several local waterways after the first snow melt. This data shows how the use of street salts during winter can impact local waterways.

Chart

Davenport

Iowa Core Standard

HS-LS2-7

Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity

Driving Question

What is happening in the springtime in local waterways?

Probing Questions

Why are the chlorine levels changing in the springtime in local waterways?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Utilize additional water data to conduct investigations.
Examine the chloride data and then determine that the values are due to the salt used on the roads during the wintertime. Students can then research the effects of chloride on local ecosystems and then develop a solution to mitigate these effects.
Work with local public works departments to examine their salt distribution equipment and make modifications. If this is not possible, models or simulations could be tested by the students in the classroom.

Resources

EPA | Waters GeoViewer: This is an interactive map that allows you to examine the water quality of United States waterways.
Issac Walton | Salt Watch: Access citizen collected salt data and submit a request to receive a test kit for your classroom.
KCCI News | Millions of tons of road salt may have impact on Iowa's waters: This footage from 2019 in Cedar Rapids is about salt in the water.
Wonder of Science | Short Performance Assessment: HS-LS2-7: This template discusses a possible assessment for HS-LS2-7.

Contributors

Submitted by Laura McCreery.

Aerial images created using the EPA watermaps.