The invention relates to a dewatering system and process for increasing the combined cycle efficiency of a coal powerplant. The process for treating coal includes contacting the coal with a leaching agent configured to remove a mineral from the coal; forming a wastewater stream comprising water and a concentration of a contaminant; and contacting the wastewater stream with a first side of a reverse osmosis membrane under pressure, wherein a permeate stream comprising a reduced concentration of the contaminant permeates the reverse osmosis membrane and flows from a second side of the reverse osmosis membrane, and a concentrate stream comprising an increased concentration of the contaminant is retained on the first side of the reverse osmosis membrane.