Washington County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Cape Fear, on about 9% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Belhaven and Portsmouth come next.
About 4% of the land drains well, and 76% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 76% of it.
USDA rates 83% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 80% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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, North Carolina, 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 Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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. 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 | 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 |
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 80% 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 83% 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.