A dampening fluid deposition system includes a vapor generator adjacent the air supply channel and in fluid communication with a dampening fluid supply to produce dampening fluid vapor. The vapor generator includes a vapor channel having an interior in communication with air confined within the air supply channel. The vapor generator may include a liquid reservoir receiving dampening fluid from the dampening fluid supply and a heater that heats the received dampening fluid into dampening fluid vapor. The liquid reservoir may include a wick that stores dampening fluid and releases dampening fluid vapor into the vapor channel and a heat conductive tub that holds the wick and dampening fluid. The passive dampening fluid deposition system mixes the dampening fluid vapor with the confined air to form an air/vapor mix that is condensed as a layer of dampening fluid onto the reimageable surface of an imaging member.