Riverside County, Coachella Valley Area, California
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Riverside County, Coachella Valley Area, California.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock outcrop | 93K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Water | 90K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Carsitas gravelly sand, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 62K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Myoma fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 41K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carsitas cobbly sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Myoma fine sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Carsitas fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Badland | 23K | Excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Gilman fine sandy loam, wet, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Indio very fine sandy loam, wet | 19K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Carrizo stony sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coachella fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Gilman fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lithic Torripsamments-Rock outcrop complex | 12K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubble land | 10K | Excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Omstott-Rock outcrop complex | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Salton silty clay loam | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Goldenhills-Bulletproof-Fanhill-Whiterobe complex, 30 to 75 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coachella fine sand, wet, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Indio very fine sandy loam | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.