Washington 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 Washington County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden flaggy silty clay, 20 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 61K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden silty clay loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelbyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood-Shrouts silty clay loams, very rocky, 12 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shrouts silt loam, rocky, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silty clay, 6 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelbyville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elk silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lowell silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, frequently flooded | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% 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 98% 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.