The disclosed filter element is configured for use within a housing of a filter assembly. The filter element includes an obround ring of filter media extending between an upper and lower endcaps and defines a dirty wet fuel region. The upper endcap of the filter element defines an inlet for receiving the dirty wet fuel, which flows into the dirty wet fuel region and radially outward through the filter media. The upper endcap may include an insert to define a flow chamber to distribute fuel into the dirty wet fuel region. A clean wet fuel region is defined outside the filter element and within the housing. After flowing through the inlet and the filter media clean wet fuel fills the clean wet fuel region. A water separator is disposed external to the filter media and defines a clean dry fuel region in communication with an outlet defined by the upper endcap.