News, Event

Colorado 811 Celebrates 40 Years of Damage Prevention and Highlights the Importance of Safe Digging on 811 Day

Aug 11, 2026

Each year on August 11, 811 Day, Colorado 811 joins partners and communities across the state to remind Coloradans about the importance of contacting 811 before digging. In 2026, the message carries added significance as Colorado 811 celebrates 40 years of service as the state’s Utility Notification Center, connecting people planning to dig with the organizations that own and operate underground public utility lines.

In alignment with this important campaign, Governor Jared Polis has issued a proclamation recognizing the importance of 811 Day. The proclamation reads as follows:

“WHEREAS, damage to Colorado’s underground utilities by excavation and digging projects directly affects the safety and economic welfare of our people and communities; and

WHEREAS, Colorado established the One-Call Notification System in 1986 as a fast, easy, and comprehensive way to ensure that underground facilities are properly marked before an excavation project or any digging begins; and

WHEREAS, it is important for excavators, contractors, and homeowners to know that state law requires them to contact Colorado 811 (the Utility Notification Center of Colorado) before embarking on any excavation or digging project; and

WHEREAS, Colorado 811 continually works to raise awareness about its key message: “811, know what’s below, call before you dig”; and

WHEREAS, Coloradans recognize Colorado 811 for its continuing efforts to reduce the incidence of preventable utility damages and so help protect the health and prosperity of our state; and

WHEREAS, the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Division of Oil & Public Safety promotes public safety by developing best practices and reviewing complaints of alleged violations of the One-Call Law;

THEREFORE, I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim August 11, 2026, as 811 DAY in the State of Colorado."

Contacting 811 is essential whether you are planting a tree, installing a fence, building a deck, or taking on any project that involves breaking ground. By making a locate request at colorado811.org or by calling 811, property owners protect themselves, their neighbors, and essential services from accidents, interruptions, and liability. Utility companies mark lines with paint and flags so digging can happen more safely. Always hand dig within 18 inches of utility marks.

“Every year, damages to public underground utility lines cost the U.S. billions, mainly because 811 was not contacted first,” says Claudia Randall, Executive Director of Colorado 811. “Digging safely is everyone’s responsibility. It is free, it is fast, and it is the law. As we celebrate 40 years of serving Colorado, our commitment remains the same: helping protect communities by making sure everyone contacts 811 before they dig.”

Colorado 811 is honoring 811 Day and its 40th anniversary by continuing to expand education, outreach, and damage prevention resources statewide. On and around August 11, Colorado 811’s Education & Damage Prevention Liaisons will be out in the community promoting the safe digging message, sharing resources, supporting awareness activities, and recognizing the important role 811 plays in protecting people and underground infrastructure across Colorado.

In 2026, Colorado 811 also continued advancing its damage prevention mission with the successful launch of the new Colorado 811 Exactix Ticketing System. The system officially launched on January 30, 2026, marking a major upgrade from the legacy ticketing process. Exactix provides users with a faster, easier, and more accurate way to submit and manage locate requests, while offering streamlined customer service features, enhanced self-service tools, improved communication options, and greater control over locate tickets from start to finish.

Colorado 811 is also continuing its investment in education and industry engagement through the 2026 Damage Prevention Summit & Expo. This year’s Summit will bring excavators, pipeline operators, utility owners/operators, locators, and damage prevention professionals together on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. The event will feature tailored education tracks, an expo, and networking opportunities designed to support stronger safety practices and close out dig season with practical tools and shared insight.

Help keep Colorado safe by spreading the word about safe digging on August 11th and every day of the year. And always contact 811 before you dig!