Before you dig in California, call Underground Service Alert (USA) or you could accidentally hit power, cable, or pipelines with dangerous or explosive gases. Accidental contact with underground utilities can cause property damage, injury, and even death. This notification is required for small holes in private yards or large excavations on construction sites.
Whether you use hand tools, power tools, or mobile equipment to dig, mark the site of your planned excavation in white and call the USA hotline or log into the website to submit a dig notice. Notify USA at least two-to-14 days before you dig to allow service providers that have wires, lines, or pipes in the area a chance to mark them.
From anywhere in California notify the local one call center at 811. Their website is www.call811.com.
When you notify the USA service of your excavation by phone or email, your excavation will be assigned a ticket number good for 28 days. You need an active ticket number for the duration of your excavation. Keep the ticket number to validate your excavation permit.
When utility service providers mark their lines and pipes, they use color-coded markings for each type of installation. Keep these marks visible during your excavation. If the markings are not visible or become damaged, contact the local call center at 811 to have them re-marked.
When you are excavating, use hand tools to locate and expose the underground utilities. Dig gently; excessive force can damage pipes. Use tools with fiberglass handles to reduce the risk of shock. An air or vacuum excavation may be the safest way to expose underground utilities. If you damage underground utilities, notify USA and/or the owner immediately.