An encapsulated filter cartridge is disclosed, which includes a filter assembly including a carbon block filter element and a microporous filter element. The filter cartridge has a permanently sealed sump defining an interior chamber configured to accommodate the filter assembly, the sump having an inlet for permitting unfiltered fluid to enter the interior chamber for communicating with the radially outer surface of the filter assembly and an outlet for permitting filtered fluid to exit the interior chamber from the axial portion of the filter assembly. The microporous filter element of the filter assembly may include a hollow fiber subassembly housed within the axial cavity of the carbon block element, said fiber subassembly including a plurality of hollow microporous fibers, or a pleated filter element surrounding the radially outer surface of the carbon block element.