Call Before You Dig

Know what’s below before you start digging.

Before beginning any digging project, contact 811 to have underground utility lines located and marked. It’s an important step in protecting yourself, your property and the utility services you depend on.

However, 811 does not locate every underground line on your property. Privately owned lines may require a separate private locate before digging.

I like that intro because it establishes the safety message immediately without getting technical.

Start With 811

Always Start With 811

Your local 811 service notifies participating utility owners about your planned excavation so their underground facilities can be located and marked.

WYOMING

NEBRASKA

COLORADO

What is a private utility?

Some Lines May Be Private

Not every underground line is owned by a utility company. Some lines and facilities located on private property are owned by the property owner and are not included in a standard 811 locate.

Examples can include:

Sprinkler and irrigation systems
Electric lines running to an outbuilding
Gas lines serving outdoor grills or fire pits
Invisible pet fences
Septic systems
Buried water tanks
Certain private water or sewer lines
Lines serving pool heaters or other privately owned equipment

Need a private locate?

Need a Private Utility Located?

If you have privately owned underground facilities in your digging area, you may need to contact a private locating company before excavation. The 811 organizations in Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado provide directories or resources for finding private utility locators.

WYOMING

NEBRASKA

COLORADO

Know what’s below before you start digging.

Start With 811

Always Start With 811

What does 811 locate?

Does an 811 request locate everything on my property?

What is considered a private utility?

Who locates private lines?

Should I contact 811 even for a small project?