The Friends of the Muskoka Watershed are sounding the alarm over the rising use of road salt and its harmful impact on local lakes.

The group has received a $74,000 grant from the Canadian Water Agency’s EcoAction program to help reduce road salt usage and raise awareness of its risks.

The group says excessive salt is contaminating Muskoka’s lakes, damaging aquatic life and contributing to more algal blooms.

They plan to engage local communities, schools, and businesses in reducing road salt use on driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots.

The group is also seeking matching funds to support their efforts. They say that with rising chloride levels in Muskoka’s lakes, the need for action is urgent.