A process and apparatus that includes multiple counterflow rinsing of chemically treated, anodized, plated or otherwise processed workpieces, utilizing a single on-line spray-rinse tank or station with successively less concentrated or contaminated rinse solutions that are sequentially pumped from one or more off-line tanks or reservoirs that provide at least three overlapping counterflow spray rinse cycles that cover the treated workpiece or workpieces which can be supported individually or together in a bulk processing barrel in the spray-rinse tank, whereby the workpiece or pieces are decontaminated for any additional processing of a finished part using a minimum amount of water or rinse solution during the rinsing process.