Eau Claire County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Eau Claire County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simescreek sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield loamy sand, river valley, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fairchild-Elmlake complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkmound loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairchild and Merrillan soils, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkmound loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seaton silt loam, driftless valley, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seaton silt loam, driftless valley, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Billett sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ludington and Humbird soils, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ludington and Humbird soils, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boone-Plainbo complex, 12 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newson mucky loamy sand, valley train, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kert silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Seaton silt loam, driftless valley, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fallcreek sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elevasil sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hixton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, river valley, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vesper silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 88% 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.