Mother Earth needs a low-salt diet, too

Low-salt diets are a common recommendation for many adults these days. Doctors have individuals adjust the consumption of foods and seasonings to limit their intake of sodium and in turn have healthier lives. Recently, a similar diet is being recommended for Minnesota water bodies. Professionals from organizations like the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Freshwater Society, who keep a close watch on the quality of water in the state, are advocating for waterways to have a low-salt diet to help address a growing problem: chloride pollution.

Chloride, the primary component of salt,...