Kitsap County Area, Washington
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Kitsap County Area, Washington.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harstine gravelly ashy sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dystric Xerorthents, 45 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kapowsin gravelly ashy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harstine gravelly ashy sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poulsbo gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Indianola-Kitsap complex, 45 to 70 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norma fine sandy loam | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harstine gravelly ashy sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kapowsin gravelly ashy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelton extremely gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kilchis very gravelly sandy loam, 30 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McKenna gravelly loam | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ragnar fine sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shelton extremely gravelly sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Indianola loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shelton very gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poulsbo-Ragnar complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
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.