State of Connecticut, Western Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 State of Connecticut, Western Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 292K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Charlton-Chatfield complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 118K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex | 87K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 76K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Chatfield complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 68K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgebury, Leicester, and Whitman soils, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 68K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canton and Charlton fine sandy loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 48K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Paxton and Montauk fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Chatfield-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canton and Charlton fine sandy loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 42K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 38K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Canton and Charlton fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Paxton and Montauk fine sandy loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 21K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catden and Freetown soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, smoothed | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canton and Charlton fine sandy loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.