Jefferson County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Jefferson County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 72K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Galoo-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benson-Galoo complex, very rocky, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farmington loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaumont silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hudson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhinebeck silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingsbury silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collamer silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex, frequently flooded | 18K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vergennes silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Galway silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilpoint silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhinebeck silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Covington silty clay | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newstead silt loam | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saprists and Aquents, ponded | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaumont silty clay, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Galway very stony silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, 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.