Middlesex County, Massachusetts
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freetown muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 30K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Windsor loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Urban land-Hollis complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 13K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Swansea muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hollis-Rock outcrop-Charlton complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scarboro mucky fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgebury fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Windsor loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Canton-Charlton-Urban land complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Saco mucky silt loam, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 82% 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.