Durham County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Durham County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Store sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| White Store sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla and Wehadkee soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| White Store sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Georgeville silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| White Store-Urban land complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Creedmoor sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pinkston fine sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iredell loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayodan sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mayodan sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban land | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Helena sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cartecay and Chewacla soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% 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 66% 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.