A system for increasing the efficiency of separating two liquids through filtration is disclosed. In a detailed example, water (both free and emulsified) is separated from diesel fuel, along with contaminants. The system has a filter medium attached to a support. The support has a tube structure that positions the filter medium away from the top plate. The filter can be positioned in a canister for removing emulsified water from the liquid. This canister can be used in a system to filter liquid stored in a tank that may contain water (emulsified and free) and/or debris. The system and method disclosed is particularly useful for removing emulsified water from diesel, such as ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), bio-blended diesel, and diesel derivatives.