Washington County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Upshur, on about 31% of the land: a silty clay, smooth and very sticky when wet. Gilpin and Summitville come next.
About 88% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 88% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 38% of it.
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, Ohio, 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 88% 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 97% 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.