Union County, South Carolina
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 Union County, South Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison and Pacolet soils, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilkes soils, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cartecay-Toccoa complex | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wilkes sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wehadkee-Chewacla complex | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cataula sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enon sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enon sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hiwassee sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cataula sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hiwassee sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enon sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 65% 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.