Call Before You Dig: A Reminder for Washington State Residents

If you’re planning any project that involves digging in Washington State, it’s crucial to remember that state law requires you to notify all utility providers before you begin. This step is essential to ensure the safety of you, your property, and the community.

The Process

1. Call 811 at least 2 business days before you dig. This free service is available 24/7, and it’s the easiest way to notify all necessary utility providers about your upcoming project.
2. Wait for the utility providers to mark the location of all known underground lines. After you’ve made the call, the utility providers will send out locators to mark the approximate location of underground power, water, gas, telephone/TV-cable, and wastewater lines in the area where you plan to dig.
3. Understand the color codes. Each type of utility line is marked with a specific color:
   • Red: Electric
   • Blue: Water
   • Orange: Telephone/TV-cable
   • Yellow: Gas
   • Green: Wastewater
4. Respect the marks and dig carefully. Once the lines have been marked, you can begin your project. Be sure to avoid digging near the marked areas and use caution when working around them.

Additional Resources

For more information about the call-before-you-dig process in Washington State, visit the Utility Notification Center website. This site provides helpful resources, including:

• Links to submit utility locate requests for homeowners and contractors
• A tool to search for lost ticket numbers
• FAQs and news related to digging safely in Washington State
• Contact information for the Utility Notification Center

Remember, calling 811 before you dig is not only a legal requirement but also a critical step in maintaining a safe environment for you and your community. By taking the time to notify utility providers and respecting the marked lines, you can help prevent accidents, damage, and costly repairs.