Ottawa County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Plainfield, on about 11% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Granby and Kawkawlin come next.
About 29% of the land drains well, and 54% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 55% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 68% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Ottawa County, Michigan, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Ottawa County, Michigan. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granby loamy sand, lake plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, lake plain, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kawkawlin loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Perrinton loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Covert-Pipestone sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone-Covert-Saugatuck sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, lake plain, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Coloma loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Granby fine sandy loam, lake plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan loam | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone loamy sand, lake moderated, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kawkawlin loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iosco loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sims loam | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, dunes, 18 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allendale sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.