Delaware County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Delaware County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halcott, Mongaup, and Vly soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 87K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Halcott, Mongaup, and Vly soils, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very rocky | 64K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lackawanna and Bath soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 52K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willowemoc channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 48K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Halcott, Mongaup, and Vly soils, 2 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 47K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lewbeach and Lewbath soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 42K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elka-Vly channery silt loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willowemoc and Willdin soils, 2 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willowemoc channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga, Lordstown, and Arnot soils, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very rocky | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lewbeach channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro and Mardin soils, 2 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mardin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lackawanna flaggy silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lewbeach channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga, Lordstown, and Arnot soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vly channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.