Monroe County, New York
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/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 Monroe County, New York.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land | 29K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hilton loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ontario loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Niagara silt loam | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collamer silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hilton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colonie loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Collamer silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canandaigua silt loam | 10K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appleton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Odessa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madrid fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ontario loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Arkport, Dunkirk, and Colonie soils, 20 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lockport silty clay loam | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland soils complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eel silt loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Churchville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cayuga silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 71% 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.