Hydrocarbon-contaminated water is passed through a column packed with MPPE particles. The particles are porous polymer beads, which contain a specific extraction liquid. The immobilized extraction liquid removes the hydrocarbons from the water. Only the hydrocarbons, which have a high affinity for the extraction liquid, are removed. The purified water can either be reused or discharged. Periodical in situ regeneration of the extraction liquid is accomplished by stripping the hydrocarbons with low-pressure steam. The stripped hydrocarbons are condensed and then separated from the water phase by gravity. The almost 100% pure hydrocarbon phase is recovered, removed from the system and ready to use/reuse or disposal. The condensed aqueous phase is recycled within the system. The application of two columns allow continuous operation with simultaneous extraction and regeneration. A typical cycle is one hour of extraction and one hour of regeneration.