Okay, it was water in the gas tank - they brought out a bottle of some of the gas they pulled -- about 1/8" was gas and 1/4" was water.  All they had to do was clear it out and change the fuel filter.  Luckily I didn't need a new fuel pump, which was their fear at first (it would have been covered by my extended warranty, however).   So, now it is running fine!  I'm glad it wasn't a major repair!

Yeah!!! You're very lucky...now Katie wants to go for a ride!

I'd give them a call and let them know.  They may be honest and just not know their tank is leaking.  Of course, if they cop an attitude with you,  a call to the EPA would be in order.

One gas station said that there is "no way to prove it" if your fuel cap cover is the kind that doesn't latch or lock shut.  WHATEVER

If it is because of the gas from the station,  you will not be the only victim. A leaky tank is an Environmental Hazard & I would contact the county you live in to report it as a possibility & see if there have been any other reports. They have test equipement that can tell if the tanks are leaking & if the are, the station will be shut down until it is resolved!

From what you described, it did sound like the fuel pump or filter to me, glad to hear it turned out to be an easy fix. Just so you know, problems like that can cause other problems. Water can promote rust & sludge buildup in lower areas due to settlement. If it were me, I would try to not let my gas tank get below 1/4 tank from now on.

That's good advice -- I'll just start pretending like I still live in Atlanta.  No joke, I never went below a 1/4 tank there because women who ran out of gas in Atlanta were often never seen alive again.  Seriously.  I know that can happen anywhere, and it is really a good safety issue, but here where we are I must admit that I let it get very low.  I've never run out, but it's not wise.  Now I have the issue of taking care of my beloved (yes I said beloved) truck as well.