Prince William 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 Prince William County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcola silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Arcola-Nestoria complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manassas silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckhall loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waxpool silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dulles silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Panorama silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Meadowville loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Albano silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Occoquan sandy loam, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Buckhall complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neabsco loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sycoline-Kelly complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jackland silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dumfries sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaila sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sudley-Oatlands complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 68% 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.