Road salt increases Sodium Chloride levels in Woodruff well Tweet Story By Phylicia Ashley





WOODRUFF - A Woodruff restaurant owner won't open for business for another two months, but he found himself back to work early after he noticed an issue with his water.



Last fall Hoggie Doggies owner Steve Pletta noticed his water was getting harder and developing a salty taste. After working with water treatment specialists he learned the salt laid down by the highway department during winter likely caused the problem and the solution could fall on him.

Pletta can't wait to reopen a beloved Northwoods restaurant at a prime location this year.

However, last fall Pletta started tasting, smelling and feeling problems with his water at Hoggie Doggies. The reason was concerning.









"We use road salts to keep the roads safe, but then where does it all go?" said Pletta.

Hoggie Doggies spot at Highway 47 and J happens to be where road salt drains directly into his well.

Water treatment specialists found sodium chloride levels over 900 milligrams in Pletta's well. The average in Woodruff is 14.



"That happens to be a major chemical used in our roadways," said Pletta.



The DNR says the Sodium Chloride contamination doesn't cause any health issues so fixing the problem is the owner's choice. However, Pletta thinks it's an expensive necessity.



"It will have a lasting effect on my business [and] my equipment," said Pletta.

Pletta found out it could cost him up to $15,000 to fix the issue. That's more than 25% of his income. He went to the source of his problem, the Oneida County Highway Department.



"We're well aware that salt is expensive and it's not good for the environment," said Highway Commissioner Bruce Stefonek.



Stefonek said his crews use 10 to 15 tons of salt per storm.

"Salt through history has worked the best," said Stefonek.



However, what helps the roads doesn't help Pletta. His well serves both his private home and public restaurant, which means he doesn't qualify for state aid. "I didn't put the salt here," said Pletta.

Pletta wants the people who did to take responsibility or at least help pay for it. "We rely on these chemicals. We should be aware of what they can do," said Pletta.



Pletta met with the Oneida County Highway Department and Oneida County lawyers to discuss the problem. They haven't reached a deal yet, but Pletta said the meeting went well and he wants to either treat the water or drill a new well.





Text Size: + Increase | Decrease - Tweet | |