In this work, the importance of potential and current distribution analysis is highlighted as a key factor in the design of energy efficient electrocoagulation (EC) reactors. Although there are three types of distribution of current and potential (primary, secondary and tertiary), only primary potential and current density distributions were analyzed as a first approach. This approach simplifies the analysis by considering only cell geometry. This study included modeling of potential and current distribution and its impact on EC performance. The analysis showed the effect of cell geometry and electrode configuration on the distribution of potential in the cell, the current distribution on the anodes and the modification of a non-uniform distribution by changes to electrode configuration. The experimental evaluation of different electrode configurations showed that EC performance is enhanced when uniform potential and current density is achieved, and kinetics of anode (in this case aluminum) dissolution can be improved without having to change the applied current density. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.