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What to Know Before You Dig

What do I need to make a locate request?
What happens next? How do I dig safely?

Get the details

How to Request a Utility Locate: Step by Step

What’s your project? Shallow or deep, big or small—contact 811 before you start.

1

Contact 811

Getting Started is simple and quick.

Have your project details handy.

  • Physical address where you’ll be digging

  • Your email address for confirmation of your ticket and communications

  • Closest intersecting street to the address

  • How locators can access the property

  • Type of digging you are doing

  • Location on the property where you’ll dig

Then, call 811 or submit your request online.
Start Your Residential Locate Request

It’s Free.

There is no charge for public utility locates. 

Do you have private utilities on your property?

If so, contact a private locate company after you receive confirmation of your public locate utility ticket from Colorado 811. 

Learn More About Private Utility Lines
2

Wait 3 Days

Utility company locators will mark your lines within 3 business days.

You’ll know the locate is complete when:

  • Utility companies update your online ticket with a Positive Response status message 

  • You see color-coded marks—flags, painted lines, or both

Track your request online.
Check Status
Provide Open Access

During the 3-day period after you get your email confirmation, be sure the area to be marked is completely accessible to locate crews.

  • No locked gates

  • No animals

3

Respect the Utility Line Marks

Wherever public utility lines are present, they’ll be identified by paint, flags, or both.

Be sure marks remain visible for the full duration of your project. They are there to protect you, your property, and your neighbors.

Dig Safe colors: What do they mean?

Utility locators marks lines with paint, flags, or both using a standard color code system created by the American Public Works Association (APWA).

Start Your Residential Locate Request
Dig Safe colors: What do they mean?
Pink is for Temporary Survey Markings, Red is for Electric, Yellow is for Gas, Oil, Steam, Orange is for Communication, CATV, Blue is for Potable Water, Purple is for Irrigation, Reclaimed Water, Slurry Lines, Green is for Sewer
4

Follow These Tips to Dig Safely

Never dig directly on the utility marks.

Always use extreme care when digging near underground utilities.

Be aware of the Tolerance Zone.

The area within 18 inches of utility marks in every direction is called the tolerance zone. In this zone, dig only by hand, if at all.

Remember: The depth of utilities varies.

Underground utilities, pipes, or cables are buried at different depths depending on the location and type of utility. Over time, depth can change because of erosion or leveling. 

You’ll see an indication of depth only if the utility locator actually knows that information. 

5

Close out your request

After your project is complete, close out your locate request by calling 811 or log in to our online portal.

Why Contact 811?   It’s the Law.

Don’t put yourself at risk. If you don’t call you could face: 

  • Injury, in some cases, fatal

  • Expensive property and environmental damage

  • Natural gas explosion or fire 

  • Disrupting essential utility service to you and your community

  • Job delays

  • Legal consequences 

Still have questions?

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