Lake County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Lake County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozaukee silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pella silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Markham silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markham silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montgomery silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beecher silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, undrained, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orthents, loamy, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grays and Markham silt loams, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nappanee silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beecher silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wauconda silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 90% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.