City of Virginia Beach, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 City of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 38K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Acredale silt loam | 36K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley loam | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nimmo loam | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Backbay mucky peat | 10K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorovan mucky peat | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Acredale-Urban land complex | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tetotum loam | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| State loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dragston fine sandy loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nawney silt loam | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munden fine sandy loam | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land | 4K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Udorthents-Urban land complex | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pocaty peat | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Augusta loam | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bojac fine sandy loam | 3K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rumford fine sandy loam, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley-Urban land complex | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.