A process for removing selenium from a water stream, in particular a waste water stream, by: 1) the addition thereto of a ferric salt, followed by 2) the addition of a cupric salt and pH adjustment to a pH value in the range of from about 6.5 to about 8.0, thereby forming a copper-and-selenium-containing precipitate, and 3) removing the copper-and-selenium-containing precipitate to thereby form a treated water stream, is disclosed. The optional precipitation and removal of excess copper ions is also disclosed.