An approximate solution is found to the differential equation governing the steady state vertical flux of moisture through an unsaturated homogeneous soil for which the dependence of hydraulic conductivity on tension head is given in the form K(&PSgr;)=A(B+&PSgr;')-1. The solution expresses the depth from the water table as a function of the capillary tension for a given rate of percolation or capillary rise. It is easily inverted to obtain explicit expressions both for the capillary tension as a function of depth and flow rate, and for the steady flow rate in terms of the capillary tension at a given depth. The latter is shown to compare favorably both to existing limiting case solutions of percolation to a water table at infinite depth, and to capillary rise from a shallow water table to an infinitely dry surface. More importantly, this solution applies to the intermediate condition where the magnitude and direction of flow are sensitive to both the near-surface capillary tension and the water table depth. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1993