2 dogs have just been electrocuted to death in Washington, D.C.(1). Dogs have been electrocuted to death in different cities during the wintertime (2​, 3). Humans have also died (4​, 5). Salt/ice melt is largely to blame.

Not only can salt conduct electricity when melted into water (6), but salt/ice melt degrades infrastructure, such as cables, roads, and bridges (7​, 8). According to Potomac Conservancy, the use of salt/ice melt also negatively impacts our drinking water and local waterways (which harms plants and wildlife) (9​, 10). In 2022, Potomac Conservancy noted that "the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has recorded increases of salt levels in the Potomac River, showing a 230% increase in 2021 compared to 30 years ago" (11​, 12). It is clear that salt/ice melt causes several issues. 

People should be able to walk down the sidewalk with or without a pet without the fear of being electrocuted. The city of Washington, D.C. should use and promote the use of safer alternatives to salt/ice melt. Potomac Conservancy recommends the use of brine saltwater for roads and sand or natural clay cat litter for sidewalks (13). Using these alternatives could prevent the (costly) degradation of infrastructure, prevent the deaths of dogs (and maybe even humans), improve drinking water, and improve the local environment for plants and animals.