Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land-Duffield complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Berks-Weikert complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Washington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedington-Berks complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Washington silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Duffield silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban land, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Holly silt loam | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very bouldery | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig very gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Comly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arendtsville gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Washington silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes, very bouldery | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Middlebury silt loam | 2K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 53% 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 77% 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.