Call Before You Dig

“Call Before You Dig” is a safety protocol that ensures underground utility lines (such as gas, electricity, water, sewer, and telecommunications) are identified and marked before any excavation takes place. This helps prevent accidental damage to utility lines, which could cause serious injuries, service disruptions, or costly repairs.

Key Points to Know:

1. Why Call Before You Dig?

• Prevent Accidents: Digging without knowing the location of underground utilities can result in injuries, explosions, or electrocution if gas or electrical lines are hit.
• Avoid Disruptions: Damaging water, gas, or power lines can disrupt services not only for your property but for your entire neighborhood.
• Legal Requirement: In most places, it’s the law to notify utility companies before digging to ensure safety and prevent fines or liability for damages.

2. How to Call Before You Dig

• Dial 811: In the U.S., 811 is the national “Call Before You Dig” number. By dialing this number, you’ll be connected to a local service that coordinates with utility providers.
• Submit a Request Online: Many states also have online portals where you can submit a request to locate utilities.

3. What Happens After You Call

• Utility Marking: Utility companies will be notified, and they’ll send out professionals to mark the location of their underground lines, usually with paint or flags. Each utility type has a specific color:
  • Red: Electrical lines
  • Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, or petroleum lines
  • Orange: Communications, alarm, or signal lines
  • Blue: Potable water lines
  • Green: Sewer and drain lines
  • Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation
  • White: Proposed excavation site
• Wait Period: Typically, there’s a 2-3 business day waiting period after you call 811 for utilities to be marked.

4. When to Call

• You should call at least a few days before any digging project, whether it’s a large construction project or a small task like planting a tree or installing a mailbox.

5. What Projects Require a Call

• Planting trees or shrubs
• Installing a fence, deck, or mailbox
• Building a new home or outbuilding
• Any project involving digging more than a few inches into the ground

6. Cost

• Free Service: Calling 811 or using the online service is free. The utility companies mark their lines at no cost to you.

By calling 811 before you dig, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your neighbors, and the infrastructure around your property. When in doubt, please call 605-877-5208 so we can ensure that your water and sewer lines are located. Northdale Sanitary District is currently not on the 811 call, so we MUST be called separately prior to digging.