A filter canister including a frame; a sheet of flexible fabric material that allows the flow of water therethrough, the sheet of flexible fabric material being connected to the frame in a manner defining an internal zone whereby substantially all fluid entering the internal zone from an opposite side of the sheet of flexible fabric material passes therethrough; and a conduit having a first end located externally of the frame and a second end located within the internal zone defined by the sheet of flexible fabric material; wherein, upon connection of the first end of the conduit to a fluid intake system, fluid is drawn through the sheet of flexible fabric material into the internal zone, thereby filtering the fluid, and filtered fluid is drawn through the second end of the conduit for delivery into the fluid intake system. A system and method for filtering fluid intake water are disclosed.