Loudoun County, 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 Loudoun County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purcellville silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Purcellville and Tankerville soils, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Middleburg silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Catoctin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongle silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Purcellville and Tankerville soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sycoline-Kelly complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albano silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eubanks loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Myersville-Catoctin complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Penn silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Purcellville-Swampoodle complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dulles silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashburn silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Codorus silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jackland and Haymarket soils, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swampoodle silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, occasionally ponded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elbert silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catoctin channery silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.