Charleston County Area, South Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/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 Charleston County Area, South Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tidal marsh, soft | 120K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 70K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wadmalaw fine sandy loam | 39K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yonges loamy fine sand | 38K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Capers silty clay loam | 32K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chipley loamy fine sand | 31K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege loamy fine sand | 28K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wando loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Yauhannah-Yemassee-Ogeechee association | 23K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Seabrook loamy fine sand | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hockley loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kiawah loamy fine sand | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seewee complex | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dawhoo and rutlege loamy fine sand | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stono fine sandy loam | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edisto loamy fine sand | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| St. Johns fine sand | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Meggett clay loam | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charleston loamy fine sand | 10K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.