Washington County, Wisconsin
The dominant drainage class is 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 Washington County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hochheim loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houghton mucky peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Theresa silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Theresa silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Palms mucky peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hochheim loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pella silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Casco-Rodman complex, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hochheim loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fox silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mayville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hochheim loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Brookston silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamartine silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, high carbonate substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, high carbonate substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Casco loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Colwood silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sisson-Casco-Hochheim complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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.