Harris 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 Harris County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clodine-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 94K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lake Charles clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 62K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wockley-Urban land complex | 62K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cyfair-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 60K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lake Charles-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 59K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Addicks-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 49K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 37K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Katy-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 36K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bernard-Edna complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 35K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bernard clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bernard-Urban land complex | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| League clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 29K | D | Not limited | Not limited | |
| Splendora-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Katy fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gessner occasionally ponded-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wockley fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Texla-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aris-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Texla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.