Will County, Illinois
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Will County, Illinois.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 84K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 72K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beecher silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markham silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Varna silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Graymont silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elpaso silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Blount silt loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pella silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frankfort silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bryce silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dunham silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenoa silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frankfort silty clay loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orthents, loamy, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Warsaw silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% 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 96% 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.