Spring into Safe Digging: Colorado 811's Campaign for Construction Safety

Launching Safe Digging Month in Colorado

As the vibrant spring season unfolds, Colorado 811 embarks on another year of promoting safe digging practices during National Safe Digging Month, recognized in April. Governor Jared Polis has officially declared April 2026 as Safe Digging Month, calling on property owners, contractors, and excavators statewide to prioritize safety by contacting 811 before starting any digging project.

The nature of digging activities ranges widely, from landscaping and fence installations to major construction and utility repairs. Each year, as warmer weather signals the beginning of the digging season, the importance of safe excavation practices rises to the forefront. Contacting 811 before any digging is not only a legal requirement in Colorado but also a crucial step to protecting lives, avoiding service disruptions, and preventing costly damage to vital underground utilities such as gas, water, electricity, and communication lines.

Why Contact 811?

Claudia Randall, Executive Director of Colorado 811, emphasizes the serious implications of failing to contact 811 before digging. “Damage to underground utility lines costs the U.S. about $30 billion annually, with many incidents arising from the oversight of not contacting 811 for line marking,” she noted. “By simply reaching out to 811, individuals can greatly reduce the risk of injuries and damage.”

The utility notification service provided by Colorado 811 has a proven track record of safety. In the past year alone, they processed more than 1.1 million underground utility line locate requests, illustrating the state's commitment to protecting both its infrastructure and its residents.

The Announcement of Safe Digging Month

The Governor's proclamation serves as a vital reminder of the shared responsibility among Coloradans to prevent damage and safeguard their communities. It outlines the crucial role of the Colorado 811 One Call Notification System that has been protecting infrastructure since its establishment in 1986.

Among the compelling reasons for the proclamation is the alarming statistic that nearly 43% of disruptions faced by 9-1-1 services last year were due to accidental cuts to telecommunications lines—incidents that could have easily been avoided by calling 811.

Governor Polis's proclamation underscores that contacting Colorado 811 is not just recommended; it is mandated by law for anyone planning to dig, making it easier to engage in safe practices that protect public safety and critical infrastructure.

The New Colorado 811 Exactix Ticketing System

As part of its ongoing commitment to improve the efficiency of service, Colorado 811 introduced a new Ticketing System in January 2026. This revamped platform allows residents and professionals to submit locate requests easily and track them in real time, ensuring a streamlined experience for everyone.

Users can utilize enhanced online self-service options, and gain access to live chat support for any inquiries related to utility locating. This advancement is aimed at supporting homeowners and contractors alike, making safe digging more accessible than ever.

Steps for Safe Digging

To ensure safe digging and compliance with state law, Colorado 811 encourages everyone to follow a few essential steps before beginning any excavation:
1. Visit colorado811.org or call 811 to request a free underground utility line locate. Remember, this service does not cover privately owned utilities.
2. Wait for at least 3 full business days and track the status of your request online. Utility companies will confirm with a message indicating their response to your locate request.
3. Respect the utility markings that will be made with paint or flags, signaling the presence of underground utilities. Be sure to maintain visibility of these markers throughout the digging process.
4. Exercise caution while digging, especially within 18 inches of the marked utilities. Hand tools should be used when digging close to these zones to avoid any potential damage.

Failing to contact 811 before starting excavation can lead to utility outages, environmental damage, legal repercussions, and even dangerous situations for those involved. With the tools available, the benefits of contacting 811 far outweigh any potential inconveniences.

About Colorado 811

Established in 1986, Colorado 811 is the nonprofit organization that acts as the state's primary Utility Notification Center. They facilitate communication between property owners and utility companies to ensure safety and prevent damage, thereby safeguarding critical infrastructure across Colorado. For more information, visit their website at www.colorado811.org or explore their resources to support safe digging practices.