5 Things to Know Before You Start Digging
- Call 811 or visit call811.com at least two to three business days before you start any digging project around your home or property.
- If you don’t call 811 before digging and accidently hit an underground utility line, you could incur fines and be responsible for repair costs.
- You’ll be asked to provide a few important details about your project, such as when and where you plan to dig.
- The 811 Center will take it from there. They will contact your local electric cooperative, as well as other utility companies and pipeline operators near your worksite, so you don’t have to call every company individually.
- Within two to three business days, professional locators will mark underground utility lines so you can work safely.
APWA Uniform Color Code
Underground utilities are marked using these universal color codes.
| White | Proposed excavation |
| Pink | Temporary survey markings |
| Red | Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables |
| Yellow | Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials |
| Orange | Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit |
| Blue | Potable water |
| Purple | Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines |
| Green | Sewers and drain lines |