Arapahoe County, Colorado
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Arapahoe County, Colorado.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nunn-Bresser-Ascalon complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Renohill-Buick loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Adena-Colby silt loams, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bresser-Truckton sandy loams, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weld-Deertrail silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nunn loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Terry-Olney-Thedalund sandy loams, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Weld silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fondis silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bresser-Truckton sandy loams, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Loamy alluvial land | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Renohill-Litle-Thedalund complex, 9 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sandy alluvial land | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fondis silt loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Litle silty clay loam, 1 to 9 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bresser-Stapleton sandy loams, 9 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fondis-Colby silt loams, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Baca-Thedalund loams, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bresser and Truckton soil, 3 to 9 slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Not limited |
| Buick loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.