Know What’s Below – Dig Safely with 811

Did you know more than half of reported natural gas incidents are caused by people who dig before utility lines are marked?

On August 11, the utility industry celebrates National 811 Day, designed to promote safe digging. Every day, M.U.D. employees locate underground gas and water services to ensure any disturbance to the ground is done in a safe manner. Through July 31, M.U.D.’s team of nearly 30 locators has responded to 88,476 locate tickets, which is 5% more tickets than January through July 2023.

Everyone – from homeowners to professional excavators – is required by state law to call 811 prior to digging. This includes gardening and planting trees, to installing fences, sprinkler systems or patios. The service is free and utility members will visit the planned excavation area and mark it with paint and flags.

Below is a list of colors that correspond with various utilities:

• White – proposed excavation
• Pink – temporary survey markings
• Red – electric
• Yellow – gas, oil
• Orange – communications, cable-TV
• Blue – water
• Purple – reclaimed water
• Green – sewer

To see the entire process homeowners must follow, click here.