Waukesha County, Wisconsin
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 Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hochheim loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fox silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fox silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hochheim loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mequon silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Theresa silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hochheim loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Not 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, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamartine silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, high carbonate substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, high carbonate substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Casco loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Casco loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Warsaw loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fox loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 87% 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.