Call Before You Dig is a free service that locates your underground utilities. Use this service any time you plan to excavate at your home or business. Call 811 or (800) DIG-TESS.
Marking Underground Utilities is a Safety Issue
Electric cable, gas lines, water lines and waste-water lines could all be present under your property. Hitting these lines could result in injury, property damage or pollution of the environment. Call Before You Dig will assist you in choosing a safe site for your excavation activities.
State Law Requires Notification
The State of Texas Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act governs excavation. The act says that anyone who plans to disturb soil to a depth of 16 or more inches must contact a notification center before proceeding their work.
One Call and All Your Utilities Are Marked
Call the Texas Excavation Safety System toll-free at (800) 344-8377. Operators are on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week (excluding legal holidays).
You may call up to 14 business days before excavating, but no later than two business days before excavating. When you call, please have the following information available:
- Municipality – county, city or township
- Location – street address
- Nearest intersection of streets or roads
- Date and start time excavation is scheduled to begin
- Caller’s name and address
- Contractor/contact person and phone number
A locator for the various utilities will come mark their underground utilities at your site.
Color Code for Marking Underground Utility Lines
White – Proposed excavation
Pink – Temporary survey markings
Red – Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
Yellow – Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials
Orange – Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
Blue – Potable water
Purple – Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines
Green – Sewer and drain lines
