Washington County, Ohio
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Washington County, Ohio.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilpin-Summitville-Upshur complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, benched | 48K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur association, very stony, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur silty clay loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Summitville-Upshur complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb and Gilpin stony soils, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Summitville-Upshur complex, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Summitville-Upshur complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Summitville-Upshur complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes, benched | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moshannon silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodsfield-Zanesville silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Woodsfield silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silty clay loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silty clay loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vincent silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Omulga silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.