Beaver County, Pennsylvania
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 Beaver County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rayne silt loam, Conemaugh geology, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wharton silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rayne silt loam, Conemaugh geology, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wharton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Conotton complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atkins silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tilsit silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monongahela silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guernsey-Vandergrift complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Arents complex | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Clymer loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% 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. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 79% 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.