Want to avoid digging trouble? Call 811 before using your shovel! National 811 Day, recognized on August 11 each year, reminds the public of the importance of calling 811 to have utility-owned lines marked. Calling 811 or placing an online request at call811.com at least two working days before beginning your project can help prevent accidents, service outages, and avoidable damage that can be dangerous for you and your Tucson community, and it’s the law.

Many people may not realize that utility lines can be buried just a few inches in the ground, making it even more imperative to know what’s below before starting any digging project. Safe digging practices are essential to remember year-round, not only near August 11. From large contractor projects to DIY garden renovators, call 811. 

Last year in Arizona, nearly 30 percent of all damages to Southwest Gas’ underground natural gas infrastructure resulted from not calling 811 first, 80 percent of which involved homeowners working on their property. National data shows that failure to call 811 to have lines marked before digging is the number one cause of damage to underground utility lines.

When you contact 811 at least two days before you start your digging project, your local Tucson utility companies will mark the approximate location of their buried lines with paint or flags to prevent the risk of injury or service disruptions for no charge.

After you’ve called 811 and before you start digging, it is important to remember the following:

  • Verify that all lines have been marked.
  • Do not allow work to begin if the lines are not marked.
  • Consider moving the project location if it is near utility line markings.

We remind anyone who thinks they may have damaged an underground natural gas line, even if they’re not a natural gas customer, to leave the area immediately and call 911 and Southwest Gas at 877-860-6020. A natural gas leak can be detected by a distinct sulfur-like odor, similar to rotten eggs, even if it’s faint or momentary; an unusual hissing or roaring sound coming from the ground or appliance; or blowing dirt, bubbling water, or discolored plants or grass surrounding natural gas infrastructure or pipeline markers.    

For more information about 811 and natural gas safety, visit www.swgas.com/safety. For more information on safe digging practices, visit www.swgas.com/dig-safe.