Call Before You Dig

What is 811?

811 is the national "Call Before You Dig" number that connects you to your local one-call center to mark underground utilities.

811 Call Before You Dig

Why It Matters

Hitting an underground utility line can cause serious injury, service disruptions, and costly repairs. A simple call to 811 ensures utilities are marked, keeping you and your community safe.

Whether you're planting a tree, installing a fence, or starting a major construction project, calling 811 before you dig is the law in most states and is always the safe choice.

How 811 Works

  1. Call 811 - Contact your local one-call center at least 2-3 business days before you plan to dig.
  2. Wait for Marking - Utility operators will mark the approximate location of underground lines with flags or paint.
  3. Respect the Marks - Use hand tools or vacuum excavation within 18-24 inches of marked utilities.
  4. Dig Safely - Excavate carefully, watching for any unmarked utilities that may have been missed.

Important Reminders

  • Call at least 2-3 business days before digging
  • Wait for all utilities to be marked
  • Marks are valid for a limited time
  • Call again if marks are damaged or unclear
  • Use hand tools near marked utilities

Utility Marking Color Codes

Utility locators use standardized colors to mark different types of underground utilities.

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

Green

Sewers and drain lines

Purple

Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines

White

Proposed excavation limits or route

Pink

Temporary survey markings

811 Resources & Tools

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Create a Ticket

Request utility marking for your excavation project through your local one-call center.

Get Started →
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Handbooks & Guides

Access best practices guides, excavation handbooks, and damage prevention resources.

View Resources →
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DIRT Reports

Review Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) reports to understand damage trends.

View Reports →
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Common Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the 811 process and damage prevention.

View FAQs →

Nevada Excavation Documents

Essential documents for safe excavation in Nevada.

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EPR Codes

Electronic Positive Response Codes and Descriptions for Nevada.

Download PDF
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Nevada Excavation Handbook

Comprehensive guide to safe excavation practices in Nevada (2025 edition).

Download PDF
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Nevada Excavation Law (English)

Nevada excavation law and regulations (2025 edition).

Download PDF
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Nevada Excavation Law (Spanish)

Ley de excavación de Nevada y regulaciones (versión en español).

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