Abstract: System and method for removing volatile organic compounds from water are described which comprise a substantially closed housing, a column of fluid permeable extended surface packing disposed between a pair of screens within said housing and extending substantially from the top to the bottom thereof, the packing and housing defining therebetween first and second diametrically oppositely disposed chambers (air plenums) extending generally from top to bottom of the housing, a liquid inlet and air outlet at the top of the housing and a liquid outlet and air inlet at the bottom of the housing for flowing water generally downwardly through the packing and for passing air generally upwardly through the first and second chambers within the housing, and a plurality of baffles with the housing dividing the first and second chambers into a plurality of stages for directing the generally upward flow of air in a crisscross fashion through the packing and generally perpendicularly to the generally downwardly flow of water