Tidewater Cities Area, Virginia
The most common soil here is Tomotley, on about 7% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Altavista and Udorthents come next.
About 2% of the land drains well, and 28% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 28% of it.
USDA rates 44% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 44% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Tidewater Cities Area, Virginia, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Tidewater Cities Area, Virginia. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 84K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tomotley-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Dumps complex | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Altavista-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Augusta-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chickahominy-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Axis very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| State-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bohicket muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nimmo-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethera-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Uchee complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 1K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newflat-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Munden-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 1K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 1K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dragston-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 971 | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 44% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.