Washington County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Antigo, on about 9% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Chetek and Mahtomedi come next.
About 64% of the land drains well, and 16% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 17% of it.
USDA rates 80% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 33% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 6% of it.
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 Washington County, Minnesota, 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Washington County, Minnesota. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Antigo silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Santiago silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Antigo silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chetek sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kingsley sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ostrander silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Santiago silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Antigo silt loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Waukegan silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chetek sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dundas fine sandy loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahtomedi loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rifle muck | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahtomedi loamy sand, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lindstrom silt loam, glaciated, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brill silt loam | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chetek sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Kingsley complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Nessel fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | 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 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 80% 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.