Call Before You Dig

It's safe. It's free. It's the law.

Always call 811 before you dig. ​

Homeowners and contractors must call 811 before undertaking any excavation or digging projects.

• Prior to calling 811, mark the proposed excavation area with stakes, flags, posts, or painted or chalked lines that are white in color and are clearly visible.
  
  
• Call at least three working days before you need to start excavations or digging. Be prepared to give the type of excavation being performed and the specific location of the proposed excavation.
  
  
• The 811 service will connect you with the state one-call center, which will alert participating utility companies such as electric, gas, cable and phone about the planned digging so they can mark the appropriate location of their underground lines, if necessary.
  
  
• Remember, you are responsible for marking your private lines such as private electric drops, invisible pet fences, sprinkler systems, yard lights and gas grill lines. 
  
  
• Local utilities will then come to your home or work site and mark the location of their underground lines using the following color codes: 

PINK -Temporary Survey Markings

 

RED - Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables

 

YELLOW - Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials

 

ORANGE - Communications, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit

 

BLUE - Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines

 

PURPLE - Reclaimed water, irrigation and Slurry Lines

 

GREEN - Sewers and Drain Lines

• ​​Check the area before proceeding with your project. If a member utility has not responded or if underground facilities are clearly present and not located, call your state one call center again to have the area located properly.​

What information will I provide when contacting 811?

After contacting 811, the One Call Center will contact the appropriate companies and a trained technician will mark the location of underground facilities with colored flags, stakes or paint at no cost to you.

When digging, make sure to always dig around the marks, not on them. Some utility lines may be buried at a shallow depth, and an unintended shovel thrust could result in dangerous and/or costly consequences.