Abstract: A method and system for removing and recovering fuel oil, and other liquid hydrocarbons, from ground water. A well is drilled and the ground water and any other liquid floating thereon are allowed to enter the well. An enclosed tank is filled with water, and essentially sealed to prevent ingress of air. An outlet tube is connected to the tank at one end, and its other end is placed in the well, below water level. Another tube is connected at one end to the tank and fixedly attached at the other end to a float device at a position above the hydrocarbon/water interface. As water drains from the tank into the well it is replaced by the liquid hydrocarbon which is thus forced to travel up the tube into the tank. Thus, this system is operated entirely by gravity due to the difference in specific gravities of water and the liquid hydrocarbon, and no pump or other external power source is required.