This study reveals that transportation-related hazardous material spills are common in New England, and that surface water supplies should be protected from this problem. A statistical analysis of reports made to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region I office and projections made from hazardous spills reported in Connecticut suggests that some 95 percent of transportation-related spills are not reported. An average of 45 percent of such spills enter surface waters in New England and could seriously affect drinking water sources. Incidents involving oil, caustic soda, sulfuric acid, dioctyl phthalate, and liquified petroleum gas spills in various New England states are described. Includes 14 references, tables, figures.