Washington County, Minnesota
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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 73% 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.