Bath County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Bath County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cynthiana-Faywood complex, rocky, 20 to 40 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Gilpin silt loams, 20 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trappist-Muse silt loams, 20 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cynthiana-Faywood complex, very rocky, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shrouts-Beasley complex, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shrouts-Beasley-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eden-Lowell complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boonewood silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brownsville-Berks channery silt loams, 30 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Beasley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Beasley-Shrouts silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cotaco loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Melvin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawrence silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.