The generation of water treatment residuals (WTRs) has long been a dilemma for the water treatment industry. Identifying sustainable final disposal methods of WTRs to replace the current landfilling can provide significant social and environmental benefits. Land use of biosolids is clarified as a Best Practicable Environmental Option through EU, other institutions and regulatory agencies. However, at present, this is not the case for WTRs due to the widely varying characteristics, inconsistent perceptions that no agronomic benefits are realized, and a lack of regulations. The present review is to identify the factors regulating the failure or success of land application of WTRs based on the vast yet non-uniform information extracted from previous studies. Herein, pH and type/quality of soil, pH and application rate/scheme of WTRs, WTRs unique chemical and physical characteristics, and impact on plant nutrients were reviewed to guide land application practices. In summary, WTR is highly recommended as a soil amendment soils via land application. The phytotoxicity of Al3+ is unlikely to occur under the circumstance where the soil pH is higher than 5. In addition, a lack of legislative regulations is another factor frustrating the adoption of WTR in agriculture.