I was just re-reading this thread after the parts guy at my local dealership asked me if I had replaced my fuel filters recently... It's a bit hard to believe, but it's been 5 years since I installed the Racor filter. I use fuel from busy sources and always use a filter funnel. I'm still on the original Racor filter element and have only drained a bit of fuel out of the bowl once or twice, but that was just because I was down there anyway and it seemed like a good idea. I've seen no contamination in the bowl, water or otherwise. I have no regrets about installing the Racor, but the filter funnel seems like a VERY good investment if used religiously, which I do.