Ottawa County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/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 Ottawa County, Michigan.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% 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 95% 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.