Imperial County, California, Imperial Valley Area
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Imperial County, California, Imperial Valley Area.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial-Glenbar silty clay loams complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, wet | 208K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Imperial silty clay, wet | 123K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rositas loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 90K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rositas fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 79K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Holtville silty clay, wet | 73K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Meloland very fine sandy loam, wet | 43K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vint loamy very fine sand, wet | 32K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rositas fine sand, wet | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rositas sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rositas fine sand, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vint and Indio very fine sandy loams undifferentiated group, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Wet | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Indio loam, wet | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Superstition loamy fine sand | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenbar loam | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vint fine sandy loam | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Meloland-Holtville 0 to 2 percent slopes, wet | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rositas-Superstition loamy fine sands | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Meloland fine sand | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Niland gravelly sand, wet | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Indio loam | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.