Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter for removal of hydrocarbons and synthetic hydrocarbons from water by adsorption and/or absorption. The invention comprises a flow-through filter. The filter comprises at least three layers of filter media that extend radially in relation to the longitudinal axis of the filter. The first and third layers of filter media are comprised of a first material that is hydrophobic and removes hydrocarbons from contaminated water through adsorption or absorption and the second layer is comprised of a mix of the first material with a second material, a generally rigid granular spacer. The layers of filter media are separately placed within the casing, but are not spaced apart from one another.