The major considerations of treatment are to reduce odor, protect public health, and allow for proper operation of the irrigation equipment.
Wastewater must be stabilized before irrigation to eliminate its objectionable odor. Therefore, the wastewater must be aerobic with some reduction in oxygen demand. In this way, objectionable odors will not be carried off the irrigation site as the wastewater is sprayed in the air or create odors as it lies on the ground before infiltrating into the soil.
Disinfection of wastewater prior to irrigation is an important consideration. While disinfection is essential for public access irrigation sites, such as parks or golf courses, it should also be considered for more remote sites. Disinfection will help protect the operators, farmers, or people who accidentally enter the site and are exposed to the treated wastewater.