Galveston County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Galveston County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water, saline | 116K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Lake Charles clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maggies very fine sandy loam, 1 to 2 meter water depth | 25K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Bernard clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water, dredge channel, more than 2 meter water depth | 16K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Mocarey rarely flooded-Leton occasionally flooded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mocarey-Algoa loams complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Galveston-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, storm surge | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Verland silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Narta fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Francitas clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, occasionally ponded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Basford loam, 0 to 1 meter water depth | 7K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Kemah silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leton, occasionally flooded-Aris, rarely flooded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edna loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sievers-Ijam complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, storm surge | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Galveston-Drumbay fine sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, storm surge | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bacliff clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bernard-Edna complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tracosa very frequently flooded, 0 to 1 percent slopes-Amarada, 0 to 1 meter depth complex | 6K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 49% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.