Did you know that August 11, or 8/11, is National 811 Day? It’s an annual reminder to always call 811 before starting any digging projects big or small.
If someone calls 811 or visits Call811.com before they dig, they have a 99 percent chance of avoiding an incident, injury or harm to the environment.
After calling 811, utility location crews will arrive free of charge to mark your site with paint and flags. Line depths may vary by utility or state laws, so even the smallest project is worth calling about.
And even if you have a good idea where your utility lines are, they may have been moved or relocated without you knowing. Use Call811.com as an online resource to find state laws or other safe-digging information.
Utility location crews use specific colors to indicate the location of lines underground.
The colors include:
- Yellow: natural gas
- Red: electric power lines or cables
- Orange: communication, alarm or signal lines
- Blue: potable water
- Green: sewers and drain lines
- White: proposed excavation limits or route
- Pink: temporary survey markings
- Purple: reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines
Take advantage of National Call 811 Day as an opportunity to share this vital information with everyone you know. By sharing 811, you may save a neighbor, friend or family member from costly fines, service disruption or even personal injury.