Abstract: A coating that exhibits resistance to fouling by waterborne contaminants, and permselective membranes having this type of coating, are disclosed. For example, a reverse osmosis membrane is coated with a hydrogel-like composition comprising a combination of a hydrophilic polymer, a polyphenolic compound, and a surfactant, whereby the membrane is made more resistant to fouling by organic contaminants. Particularly beneficial are coating compositions containing amine-based surfactants, these being retained in the hydrophilic coating by polar or ionic binding forces.