Salt Lake Area, Utah
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Salt Lake Area, Utah.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water, saline | 17K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Pintailake-Eimarsh-Playas complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 14K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Jordan-Saltair complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lasil silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harkers soils, 6 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harkers-Wallsburg association, steep | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bradshaw-Agassiz association, steep | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock land | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mine wash | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Stony terrace escarpments | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bingham gravelly loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Saltair-Playas-Lasil complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pits, mine | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Parleys silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dry Creek-Copperton association, moderately steep | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bingham gravelly loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Playas | 6K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lucky Star gravelly loam, 40 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gappmayer-Wallsburg association, very steep | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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.