A Villanova University study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment reveals that road salts are increasing salinity and metal concentrations in the East Branch Brandywine Creek, impacting drinking water supplies in Downingtown and West Chester, and threatening trout fishing. Researchers sampled 13 locations over a year, identifying major sources of salinity. They suggested that understanding these causes could inform policies on development and road salt application. The study also noted that wastewater effluent introduced copper and zinc, while agricultural areas showed higher arsenic levels from historic pesticide use. Although the impacts on wildlife and drinking water quality were not assessed, road salts are known to lower oxygen levels critical for fish survival and could contaminate drinking wells, posing health risks.
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