Underground utility lines damaged every six minutes, Essential Utilities reports for Safe Digging Day
(UI) – For Safe Digging Day (8/11) is Safe Digging Day, underground utility providers like Essential Utilities remind all homeowners and contractors to call 811 before beginning any digging project, no matter how small. It is best practice to contact 811 at least three business days ahead of digging, and in many states, it's the law.
Every six minutes, an underground utility line is damaged due to digging and excavation. This free call is required for all projects, big or small, such as planting shrubs, installing a mailbox, building a swimming pool or installing a fence.
Calling 811 before digging is free and can prevent injuries, fines and outages in the community. The process is simple:
- Call 8-1-1, the national call-before-you-dig phone number, at least three business days before the planned start of digging;
- Wait for the site to be marked by Aqua or Peoples and other utility companies with paint, flags or stakes;
- Respect the markings during the project; and
- Dig with care. If you damage a pipeline, line markers, locator wire or warning tape, immediately notify the appropriate utility.
“Even on seemingly small projects, you run the risk of striking an underground utility line, which can cause service disruptions to your home and neighborhood. Safe Digging Day is a natural reminder to know what's below and call 811,” said Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Christopher Franklin.
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