WATER RETENTION BARRIER

A fuel water separator comprises a housing that defines an internal volume that receives a mixture. The fuel water separator further comprises a filter element that is positioned within the internal volume. The filter element comprises a first endplate and a second endplate that is located opposite the first endplate. The filter element further comprises a filter media that is coupled to the first endplate and the second endplate. The filter media is structured to separate a dispersed phase from a continuous phase of the mixture. The filter element further comprises a collection sump that is located below the first and second endplate and structured to receive the dispersed phase. The filter element further comprises a retention barrier disposed above the collection sump. The retention barrier comprises a drain opening structured to discharge the dispersed phase through the retention barrier into the collection sump.