Ohio's streams and lakes are highly valued for water supply, aquatic life, and recreation. As a result, the discharge of treated wastewater is coming under ever greater control. Treatment plants are expected to meet lower discharge requirements for carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), and nutrients. In addition, new requirements are being added to permits. For some Ohio communities, wastewater reuse through irrigation of treated wastewater is becoming an attractive option. Irrigating treated wastewater recycles nutrients and reduces the demand for potable water for irrigation of crops, turf, or timber.
This bulletin is for engineers and system designers that work with communities as consultants and regulators. Details on the siting, design, and management of surface irrigation systems for treated domestic and commercial wastewater are included. Subsurface absorption of wastewater is an option for individual or community wastewater systems. However, subsurface absorption systems are designed differently than surface irrigation systems and are not discussed in this manual.