Abstract: A treating chamber operable as an electrolytic cell is provided, in which the electrodes have large surface areas relative to the volume of the electrolyte. The anode is composed of a quantity of aluminum particles and the cathode is composed of a quantity of iron particles disposed in close proximity to the aluminum. Waste water containing inpurities is introduced into the treating chamber and utilized as the electrolyte. An electric current is applied to the electrodes to dissolve aluminum and iron, and produce floc in the treating chamber. The impurities in the water are adsorbed and retained by the floc. The waste water may be continuously recirculated from the treating chamber to a holding chamber, or may be moved across the aluminum and iron electrodes in a continuous flow-through system at a predetermined flow rate. The floc containing the adsorbed impurities is separated from the water by conventional means.