NOVELTY - A separator assembly for an electrochemical cell having an anode and a cathode, comprises an impermeable electrically conductive layer having a major surface facing the cathode; a fluid distribution mechanism between the electrically conductive layer and the cathode, defining gas flow channels, and comprising a liquid wicking material; and a header having a liquid reservoir in contact with a proximal end of the fluid distribution mechanism.    USE - For an electrochemical cell.    ADVANTAGE - The inventive assembly provides integrated water management, including prevention of flooding within the electrode, humidification of a proton exchange membrane (66), and overall cooling of the fuel cell.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A separator assembly (62) for an electrochemical cell (63) having an anode (68) and a cathode (70), comprising an impermeable electrically conductive layer (80) having a major surface (82) facing the cathode; a fluid distribution mechanism (72) between the electrically conductive layer and the cathode, defining gas flow channels (74), and comprising a liquid wicking material (76); and a header comprising a liquid reservoir in contact with a proximal end of the fluid distribution mechanism. The fluid distribution mechanism and the header are constructed and arranged to provide movement of liquid from the liquid reservoir to and through the fluid distribution mechanism and toward a distal end of the fluid distribution mechanism.    An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a method for cooling an electrochemical fuel cell, comprising introducing reactant gases to respective anode and cathode sides of the fuel cell; conducting an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell, thus generating heat; transporting water to relatively dry areas of the cathode side by a wicking material in fluid communication with a water source; and evaporating water from the wicking material by the generated heat, thus cooling the fuel cell.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure is a partial cross-sectional view of a electrochemical fuel cell showing a separator assembly with a fluid distribution mechanism on a cathode side of a membrane electrode assembly.    Separator assembly (62)    Electrochemical cell (63)    MEA (64)    Proton exchange membrane (66)    Anode (68)    Cathode (70)    Fluid distribution mechanism (72)    Gas flow channels (74)    Liquid wicking material (76)    Impermeable electrically conductive layer (80)    Major surface (82)    Exterior surface region (84)