Abstract: This invention provides a fast and efficient method and process to remove lead from washwater streams that are part of the deleading process. By employing a two step process using epsom salts as a precipitating chemical to convert dilute lead concentrations into a very slightly soluble solid and then processing the small residue with a reverse osmosis unit the lead is totally removed from part of the water and the lead containing reject stream from the reverse osmosis unit is recucled through the process to again treat the lead. A reduction in total waste volume of over 90% is achieved.