El Paso County, Texas (Main Part)
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 El Paso County, Texas (Main Part).
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hueco-Wink association, hummocky | 165K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bluepoint association, rolling | 67K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock outcrop-Lozier association | 38K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Delnorte-Canutio association hilly | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wink association, level | 24K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Turney-Berino association, undulating | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harkey silty clay loam | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Delnorte-Canutio association, undulating | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Simona association, undulating | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harkey loam | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dune land | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Igneous rockland-Brewster association | 10K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Mimbres association, level | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Agustin association, undulating | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bluepoint gravelly association, rolling | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Glendale silty clay | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pajarito association, level | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Tigua silty clay | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saneli silty clay loam | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Made land, gila soil material | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 64% 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.