Abstract: A device for removing water from an aqueous phase at the bottom of a hydrocarbon fuel tank has an elongated tubular frame with open areas defined by longitudinal members and circumferential ribs. A pad of cotton carrying a coating of highly water-absorbent particles on its inner surface is disposed over the frame, and the pad is enclosed on the outside by one or more layers of cotton muslin. An outside cover of a plastic mesh placed over the fabric provides a limit to outward expansion of the pad upon absorption of water and forces expansion of the particles to occur in a radially inward direction. Absorption of water is enhanced by treating the pad with an aqueous solution of a surfactant and by keeping the device enclosed so as to retain its moistened condition until being placed in use. An elongated metal rod placed inside the tube along its axis serves both as a weight to retain the device in place and as a means for grounding any static electricity.