National 811 Day promotes safe digging to protect underground utilities

August 11 is recognized as National 811 Day, a campaign dedicated to promoting safe digging practices to protect underground infrastructure. Utilities and safety organizations across the United States are urging homeowners and contractors to call 811 before starting any excavation project, regardless of size.

In California, PG&E reported that in 2025, there were 1,247 incidents of underground utility line damage, with 55% of those occurring because 811 was not called. Such incidents can result in public safety risks requiring emergency responses and average repair costs of approximately $3,500. For homeowners, the rate of non-compliance is even higher, reaching 89% in recent data.

Safety officials from Columbia Gas of Ohio and the Clarksville Gas and Water Department emphasize that calling 811 at least two to three business days in advance allows professional locators to mark the locations of gas, electric, water, and communication lines with color-coded paint or flags. This free service helps prevent service outages, costly repairs, and life-threatening accidents.