The present invention relates to a feedback controlled stripping system with integrated water management and acid recycling system. The system comprises a stripping tank containing an electrolyte bath stripping solution for removing a coating from at least one workpiece immersed in the stripping solution while a controlled absolute electrical potential is maintained on the at least one workpiece with respect to a reference electrode also immersed in the stripping solution, a rinse tank for rinsing the workpiece(s) after removal of the workpiece(s) from the stripping tank, and a distillation unit for receiving electrolyte containing dissolved metals from the stripping tank, for purifying the electrolyte received from the stripping tank, and for returning the purified electrolyte to the stripping tank. In a preferred embodiment, the stripping tank, the rinse tank, and the distillation unit are mounted to a skid. The system further includes a control module. A process for using the system to remove a coating from a workpiece is also described.