Melting Snow Raises Environmental Concerns in Dayton

Leftover de-icing salt and ice dams pose risks to waterways and homes

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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As the warm weather melts away winter snow in Dayton, Ohio, experts warn that the leftover de-icing salt could contaminate local waterways, while melting snow can also lead to dangerous ice dams and roof leaks. The Miami Conservancy District cautions that increased salinity from the runoff can corrode pipes and harm wildlife, while the City of Dayton is trying to mitigate the issue by using more salt brine. Roofing professionals also advise homeowners to be wary of ice dams forming in gutters as snow melts, which can cause serious leaks and icicle hazards.

Why it matters

The melting snow and leftover de-icing salt pose environmental risks to Dayton's waterways, as well as potential infrastructure and safety issues for local homes and buildings. Addressing these concerns requires coordination between municipal authorities, environmental groups, and individual homeowners.

The details

Melting snow mixes with leftover de-icing salt on roads, raising the salinity of local groundwater and waterways. This can corrode pipes and infrastructure, as well as harm fish and wildlife. To combat this, the City of Dayton is using more salt brine, which requires less rock salt overall. Meanwhile, the melting snow can also lead to the formation of dangerous ice dams in gutters, causing roof leaks and icicle hazards that require professional intervention.

  • As the warm weather arrives in Dayton, the snow is beginning to melt.

The players

Miami Conservancy District

A regional organization that manages water resources and environmental issues in the Dayton area.

City of Dayton

The local municipal government responsible for maintaining roads and infrastructure in Dayton.

Maxim Roofing Co.

A roofing contractor based in Fairborn, Ohio that specializes in addressing issues caused by melting snow and ice dams.

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What they’re saying

“Increasing salinity of groundwater makes it more corrosive and so, you know, it could potentially be more of a challenge for water treatment, making sure that groundwater isn't going to corrode pipes and cause metals and things like that to leach into the drinking water.”

— Mike Ekberg, Manager of Water Data and Analysis (dayton247now.com)

“When you combine the brine with the rock salt, you overall use less actual rock salt. It reduces environmental and infrastructure concerns and eventually, you know, when it does start melting, the use of less rock salt means less chloride is reaching our rivers and streams.”

— Brian Dahm, Street Maintenance Manager, City of Dayton (dayton247now.com)

“The water will back up and it forms as ice. Well, once ice gets underneath, the ice expands. So that in turn causes it to go up even higher, then it meets the heat loss from the interior of the building, which causes the actual water drippage. That's an extremely dangerous situation if not done by someone with experience.”

— Thomas Gould, Commercial Service Director, Maxim Roofing Co. (dayton247now.com)

What’s next

The City of Dayton plans to continue monitoring the impact of melting snow and de-icing salt on local waterways, and will work with the Miami Conservancy District to address any environmental concerns. Homeowners in Dayton are advised to be vigilant for signs of ice dams and roof leaks, and to contact professional roofing contractors if issues arise.

The takeaway

As Dayton experiences the annual cycle of winter snow melt, local authorities and residents must work together to mitigate the environmental and infrastructure risks posed by leftover de-icing salt and the formation of dangerous ice dams. By using more eco-friendly salt brine and promptly addressing roof leaks, the community can protect its waterways and homes during this transitional weather period.