Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Digital Data Available | 54K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Blount silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, high carbonate substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mequon silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clayey land | 7K | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited | |
| Ozaukee silt loam, high carbonate substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kewaunee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Loamy land | 3K | Somewhat limited | Very limited | ||
| Ozaukee silt loam, high carbonate substratum, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Matherton silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Martinton silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manawa silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Alluvial land, wet | 978 | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Elliott silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 921 | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 860 | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 49% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.