Franklin County, Washington
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 Franklin County, Washington.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quincy loamy fine sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 108K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Quincy loamy fine sand, loamy substratum, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 21K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Quincy-Hezel complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ritzville silt loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roloff-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Prosser-Starbuck-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sagehill very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Roloff-Lickskillet-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sagehill very fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hezel loamy fine sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Starbuck-Roloff-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Warden very fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ritzcal-Ritzville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ritzcal-Ritzville complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starbuck-Prosser-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neppel very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 29% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
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.