Worcester County, Massachusetts, Northwestern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Worcester County, Massachusetts, Northwestern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peru-Marlow association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 41K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Becket-Skerry association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 41K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge-Paxton association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 40K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montauk-Scituate-Canton association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bucksport and Wonsqueak mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman-Berkshire association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Paxton association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pillsbury-Peacham association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Chatfield-Hollis association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Tunbridge-Berkshire association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgebury-Whitman association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire-Marlow association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Chatfield association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Catden and Natchaug mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Becket-Monadnock association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colton gravelly loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Montauk-Canton association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.