Although electrolytic methods of treating waste water are reported in the older literature, their effectiveness is in doubt. This study has shown that an electrolytic treatment of secondary effluent from an activated-sludge plant using lead dioxide anodes can reduce ABS by 90 percent, COD by 80 percent, and chloride by 90 percent. This treatment has little effect on total solids. The cost of treatment will vary between $0.90 and $2.42 per 1,000 gallons. The plant costs will vary between $9 million and $26 million for a 10 mgd plant. These costs do not include site preparation, roads, landscaping, fences, land area, lighting, laboratories, or other buildings, and the costs depend on the completeness of the treatment and the electrical conductivity of the waste water. The method is not considered economically practical for waste-water renovation, wherein waters of relatively low conductivity must be processed. (Author)