James City and York Counties and the City of Williamsburg, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 James City and York Counties and the City of Williamsburg, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 47K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Craven-Uchee complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville-Emporia fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Johnston complex | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley fine sandy loam | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Peawick silt loam | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Emporia complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Suffolk fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bethera silt loam | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Levy silty clay | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bohicket muck | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Izagora loam | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 64% 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.