The present disclosure describes a self-assembling, high surface area electrode. The self-assembling, high surface area electrode includes an electrode substrate, magnetic electrode particles and a magnetic field source. Under the influence of the magnetic field source, the magnetic electrode particles assemble on the surface of the electrode substrate. The self-assembling, high surface area electrode can be used as an anode and, or, a cathode in an electrocoagulation system for treating contaminated feed water. The self-assembling, high surface area electrode produces metal hydroxyl ions and metal hydroxide species to assist in the production of aggregates that remove contaminants in the feed water. The magnetic field source can be removed, which causes the magnetic electrodes to leave the surface of the electrode substrate for cleaning. Reintroduction of the magnetic field source causes re-assembly of the self-assembling, high surface area electrode.