Fairfax City, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Fairfax City, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheaton - Glenelg complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wheaton - Glenelg complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 396 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Wheaton complex | 327 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Codorus silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 103 | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheaton - Meadowville complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 102 | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 88 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wheaton loam, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 85 | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wheaton - Sumerduck complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 83 | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Codorus and Hatboro soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 76 | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hattontown - Orange complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 76 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheaton - Codorus complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 58 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheaton - Fairfax complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 55 | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 45 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenelg silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 38 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hattontown-Orange complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 28 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Hattontown complex | 28 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wheaton - Glenelg complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 24 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hattontown silt loam, 0 to 25 percent slopes | 23 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sumerduck silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 19 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 60% 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.