Orleans Parish, Louisiana
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly 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 Orleans Parish, Louisiana.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 121K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Clovelly muck, 0 to 0.2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 18K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Schriever clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 18K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lafitte muck, 0 to 0.2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harahan clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquents, dredged, frequently flooded | 8K | Very poorly drained | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Aquents, dredged | 7K | Very poorly drained | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Cancienne silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Allemands muck, 0 to 0.2 percent slopes, drained | 5K | Poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenner muck drained | 4K | Poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westwego clay, 0 to 0.5 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gentilly muck, 0 to 0.5 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cancienne silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Schriever silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 1K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Levees-Borrow pits complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 677 | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Cancienne and Schriever soils, frequently flooded | 546 | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dumps | 418 | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 34% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 37% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.