(DENVER) - In a joint effort to protect Colorado's communities and critical underground utility line infrastructure, Colorado 811 and the Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) proudly celebrate August 11th as 811 Day.

Governor Jared Polis has signed a proclamation highlighting the importance of safe digging best practices and honoring professionals and citizens who follow safe digging practices. 811 Day serves as a reminder that contacting Colorado's 811 Center every time before any excavation project, large or small, is the law-and it is essential to avoiding costly and dangerous underground utility line damages.

"Every year, damages to public underground utility lines cost the U.S. billions, primarily because 811 was not contacted first," said Claudia Randall, Executive Director of Colorado 811. "Digging safely and preventing damage is everyone's responsibility. Calling 811 is free, it's fast, and it's the law. Please help us keep Colorado safe and always contact 811 before you dig, no matter how shallow the depth may be."

"When Coloradans follow safe digging practices, they're helping to prevent injuries, costly damage and service interruptions," said Mahesh Albuquerque, director of the Division of Oil and Public Safety at CDLE. "We're proud to work closely with Colorado 811 and support the essential impact their services have on our communities."

Understanding 811: Your First Step to Safe Digging

Colorado State law requires anyone - excavators, contractors, and homeowners - to contact 811 before starting any project that includes digging, regardless of depth. By calling 811 or submitting an online request at co811.org, anyone can request a free marking of the location of public underground utilities on the property. This proactive step protects underground utility lines and keeps everyone safe.

4 Steps to Digging Safely

1. Contact 811: Call 811 or visit co811.org to submit a free request to locate public underground utility lines such as gas, electric, water, internet, and more. Remember, 811 marks the location of only publicly owned underground utilities. Private underground utility lines must be marked by a private location company.
2. Wait and Track: Allow at least three business days for utility companies to respond and track your request's status online.
3. Respect the Marks: Watch for paint or flags on the ground marking the location of underground utility lines and keep them visible while you work.
4. Dig Carefully: Use hand tools when working within 18 inches of marked utility lines to prevent accidental strikes or damage.

Public vs. Private Utilities: What to Know on 811 Day

811 Day is also the perfect time to highlight the difference between public and private underground utility lines.

• Public Utility lines are owned and maintained by utility companies, governments, or tribes-these are marked through an 811 locate request and include water mains, electric lines, internet cables, and more.
• Private Utility lines are owned by property owners or HOAs. These lines include sprinkler and gas lines, invisible fences, septic systems pipes, and other underground lines not registered with Colorado 811. Private utility lines are not marked as part of an 811 locate request and require contacting a private locate firm before digging. For a list of private locate companies in Colorado, go to: colorado811.org/private-locate-companies.

To dig safely, both public and private utility lines must be located before work begins.

To further underground utility lines damage prevention education, Colorado 811 will host its annual Damage Prevention Summit and Expo on Friday, October 3 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. This growing and essential education and networking event for Colorado's professional damage prevention community hosts hundreds of attendees from Public Underground Utilities, Professional Excavators, Line Locators and other dedicated industry professionals who come together to learn and discuss best practices to optimally protect Colorado's underground utility infrastructure. The event highlights valuable safety and damage prevention focused education sessions, a nationally recognized keynote speaker and fun networking activities with grand prize giveaways. For more information visit info.co811.org/2025-colorado-811-annual-summit.

About the Division of Oil and Public Safety

The Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) is responsible for a variety of regulatory functions related to environmental and consumer protection and public safety. Program oversight includes amusement rides and devices, explosives use and storage, boilers, conveyances, fuel products, underground and above-ground petroleum storage tanks, cleanup of petroleum spills, reimbursement of cleanup costs to qualifying storage tank owners and operators, and administration of the oversight committee for underground facilities. The division's oversight also includes the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission and Fund, which includes enforcement oversight for Colorado 811.

About Colorado 811

Established in 1986, Colorado 811 is the state's exclusive Utility Notification Center, providing free and fast access to public utility locating services. As a nonprofit organization, Colorado 811 connects anyone planning to dig with the organizations that own underground public utility lines. Our communication services help prevent damage, keep people safe, and ensure essential networks run uninterrupted. For more information, visit www.colorado811.org.

About Colorado 811 Services

Colorado 811 does not perform utility marking and locating services. Rather, our nonprofit organization serves as the communication link between utility owners and anyone planning to dig in the state, relaying requests for accurate and timely locating services of public underground utilities. Centralizing communication through Colorado 811 helps protect the state's critical public underground infrastructure and keeps people safe. Educating the public and professionals on safe excavation practices through dedicated training, grassroots events, and more is a central component of Colorado 811's mission.

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