Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for recovering organic liquid such as gasoline which has settled on the water table in underground areas. The system comprises a conduit extending from the ground surface to a point just above the water table, a collection head fitted on the lower end of the conduit, a collection vessel connected to the upper end of the conduit and an exhaust means for creating less than atmospheric pressure in the vessel. The collection head has a liquid impermeable end portion and a liquid permeable intermediate portion for permitting the passage of liquid.