Septic suitability in Franklin County, MA

Very limited

Franklin County, MA: USDA's soil survey calls 94.1% of the county "Very limited" for a septic leach field. This is the reading that pushes a project toward an engineered system rather than a conventional one, and it covers 94.1% of Franklin County's land. The county spans 699.209 square miles, home to 70,871 people.

What this number does and doesn't tell you

Two lots a mile apart in Franklin County can carry different soil, even though they share one countywide rating. Budget $750-$1,850 for a real perc test on any specific parcel - that's the only figure a permit application accepts.

Franklin County: conventional vs. engineered cost

94.1% of Franklin County carrying a "Very limited" reading changes the realistic budget here. Conventional systems run $3,000-$8,000 where they pass; where they don't, engineered alternatives (mound or aerobic treatment, whichever the health department requires) run $10,000-$40,000 - budget toward the higher figure until a perc test says otherwise.

How Franklin County, MA compares

Among the 3,058 rated counties on this site, Franklin County, MA ranks 767 most-constrained nationally, and 1 of 14 within Massachusetts.

Before you act on this

How this rating is built, and its real limits · Conventional vs. engineered septic systems