Education, Event, News

Dive into Spring Safely with Colorado 811 as We Celebrate National Safe Digging Month this April!

Home and property owners, professional contractors, and excavation professionals statewide are invited to join this vital movement, underscored by Governor Jared Polis’s official Proclamation declaring April 2026 as Safe Digging Month in Colorado. Contacting 811 before digging for any project is not only easy and free—it’s the key to preventing injuries, avoiding service outages, and protecting costly underground utility damages.

With the warm weather, Colorado’s digging season is in full swing. From landscaping and fence installations to irrigation, construction, and utility repairs, safe excavation practices are mission-critical. This year, Colorado 811 is thrilled to mark its 40th anniversary, celebrating decades of dedication as Colorado’s official 811 Utility Notification Center. Since 1986, we have empowered Colorado communities with resources and knowledge to keep people, property, and our State’s public underground utility infrastructure safe.

“Damages to public underground utility lines cost the U.S. approximately $30 billion per year and the number one reason why these damages occur is because 811 was not contacted to have underground utility lines marked before digging activity occurred,” explains Claudia Randall, Executive Director of Colorado 811. “Injuries and vast damage can be prevented if everyone in Colorado simply contacts 811 to submit their underground utility line locate request to have their excavation area marked before digging. It’s free! It’s fast! And it’s the law! Help Colorado 811 keep you, your community, friends, and neighbors safe and contact 811 every time before you dig, no matter how shallow the dig area is.”

Governor’s Safe Digging Month Proclamation

In a powerful show of support for damage prevention and public safety, Governor Jared Polis has issued a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Safe Digging Month in Colorado. The proclamation underscores the importance of Colorado’s 811 One Call Notification System and reminds all Coloradans that calling 811 before digging is a shared responsibility—protecting families, communities, and the state’s future.

Why Safe Digging Matters

Colorado law requires anyone planning to dig to request a utility line locate before excavation begins. Colorado 811 serves as the statewide communication link between excavators and public utility owners, ensuring underground utilities such as natural gas, electric, water, sewer, and communications lines are properly marked. Last year alone, Colorado 811 processed more than 1,179,438 underground utility line locate requests—a testament to the state’s active commitment to safe digging.

Introducing the NEW Colorado 811 Exactix Ticketing System

In a bold leap forward, Colorado 811 recently launched its new Ticketing System in January 2026. This ensures that submitting and managing locate requests is faster, easier, and more intuitive than ever for anyone in Colorado. Enhanced online self-service tools, and a streamlined experience empower everyone from homeowners to industry professionals to get their dig areas marked quickly. Enter your online ticket requests, use live chat support, and view training resources at colorado811.org —your one-stop shop for safe digging!

Steps for Safe Digging

Colorado 811 urges all Coloradans to follow these essential steps before starting any digging project:

Contact 811

Visit colorado811.org or call 811 to request a free underground public utility line locate. This service protects public underground utilities such as gas, electricity, water, sewer, and internet lines. Remember, “privately owned utilities” won’t be included in this service.

Wait and Track your Request

Wait at least 3 full business days and track your request on colorado811.org. Utility companies will respond with a message indicating the status of your request.

Respect the Marks

If utilities are present, the location of the utility line will be identified by paint and/or flags. Once marked, maintain the marks to ensure they remain visible while digging so you do not hit the lines below.

Make sure paint and flags remain visible while you dig. Do not dig on top of the markings with machinery without knowing where the lines are underneath.

Dig Safely, Dig Carefully

Dig with care, using extra caution near markings.

Always dig cautiously with hand tools when digging within 18 inches of a mark or flag for a public utility line. Ask your landscaper or excavator do to the same.

Failure to contact 811 before digging can result in serious injury, utility outages, environmental damage, project delays, and potential legal consequences. Don’t risk it—always contact 811 every time before you dig!