Washington County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Washington County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 44K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cape Fear loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 29K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belhaven muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 26K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Portsmouth fine sandy loam | 22K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorovan muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 18K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roanoke loam | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pungo muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arapahoe fine sandy loam | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wasda muck | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Argent silt loam | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roper muck | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pettigrew muck | 7K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Augusta fine sandy loam | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dragston loamy fine sand | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hyde silt loam | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wahee fine sandy loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley fine sandy loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conetoe loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wickham loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 82% 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.