The aim of this work was to establish an electrolytic method for the removal of lead from wastewater using a three-dimensional, reticulated vitreous carbon cathode. During the development of the experimental setup, particular attention was paid to the electrolyte flow rate and to the cathode porosity. The electrolytic cell employed potential values in such a way that the lead reduction reaction occurred under mass transport control. The potentials were determined by hydrodynamic voltammetry using a borate/nitrate solution as the supporting electrolyte on a viterous carbon rotating disc electrode. The cell proved to be efficient in removing lead and was able to reduce the levels of this metal to 0.1 mg dm(-3) in 20 min of recirculation, using the ratio catholyte volume/cathode volume equal to 0.027. The best configuration for this removal was a cathode porosity of 80 ppi and a solution flow rate of 240 dm(3)h(-1).