Melting Snow Brings Pollutants Into Waterways

Runoff from winter's road salt and other contaminants raises environmental concerns in New England

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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As snow and ice melt across New England, the runoff is carrying a variety of pollutants into local rivers, streams, and the Boston Harbor. Experts warn that the high levels of chloride from road salt, as well as other contaminants like animal waste and oil, are damaging fragile freshwater ecosystems and habitats.

Why it matters

The melting of winter snow and ice is an annual event, but the high levels of pollutants in the runoff are an increasing concern for environmental groups and local authorities. The delicate balance between public safety on roads and the health of local waterways is an ongoing challenge that requires careful management.

The details

The Mystic River in Massachusetts is one area of particular concern, as the river's banks are filling with runoff from dirty snow piles. Chloride from road salt is the most distressing pollutant, as it can harm freshwater wildlife and habitats. Authorities must weigh the need to keep roads safe in winter against the environmental impact of the salt used.

  • The Mystic River's ice is starting to break up as temperatures rise.
  • Nearly two feet of snow fell across the New England region more than two weeks ago.

The players

Andy Hrycyna

Representative of the Mystic River Watershed Association, which has been studying the river for over 20 years and has found increased levels of chloride in the groundwater.

Chris Mancini

Representative of Save the Harbor, an organization focused on protecting the Boston Harbor from pollutants.

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What they’re saying

“This is a total trade-off. It's a balance between protecting public safety, which is super important, and protecting the rivers, which suffer when you add too much salt to the freshwater bodies.”

— Andy Hrycyna, Mystic River Watershed Association (nbcboston.com)

“Any animal waste, any oil that comes out of a car. We hear more and more about forever chemicals, things that are just in the systems from the products that we use.”

— Chris Mancini, Save the Harbor (nbcboston.com)

What’s next

Local authorities and environmental groups will continue to monitor the levels of pollutants in the waterways and work to find a balance between public safety and environmental protection.

The takeaway

The annual melting of winter snow and ice is a natural process, but the high levels of pollutants it carries into local waterways is an increasing concern. Striking a balance between the need for road safety and the health of fragile ecosystems will require ongoing collaboration between local authorities and environmental organizations.