Colorado 811 Highlights 811 Day and the Importance of Safe Digging in Colorado

GOLDEN, Colo., Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year on August 11, 811 Day, Colorado 811 joins with partners and communities across the state to celebrate 811 Day—a reminder of the vital role the 811 "Call Before You Dig" service plays in public safety. As Colorado continues to promote safe digging, Governor Jared Polis has joined Colorado 811, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Division of Oil and Public Safety in supporting the annual effort to keep Coloradans safe near underground infrastructure.

Launched in 2005, the 811 service provides a free and simple way for contractors and homeowners to request public underground utility markings before beginning any digging project—helping to prevent avoidable injuries, costly utility outages, and repairs. Colorado law requires anyone digging to contact 811 at least three business days before excavating to ensure all public utility lines are clearly marked.

Contacting 811 is essential whether you're planting a tree, installing a fence, or taking on any project that involves breaking ground. By making a locate request at colorado811.org or calling 811, property owners protect themselves and others from accidents, interruptions, and liability. Utility companies will mark lines with paint and flags so you can dig safely—just remember, always hand dig within 18 inches of utility marks.

"Every year, damages to public underground utility lines cost the U.S. billions, mainly because 811 was not contacted first," says Claudia Randall, Executive Director of Colorado 811. "Digging safely is everyone's responsibility. It's free, it's fast, and it's the law. Help us keep Colorado safe—always contact 811 before you dig."

In an effort to further damage prevention education, Colorado 811 will be holding it's annual Damage Prevention Summit and Expo on Friday, October 3 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. This is a growing and essential event for Colorado Utility Owners, Excavators, Locators and other dedicated professionals protecting our underground utility infrastructure in Colorado. There will be valuable education sessions, a keynote speaker, prize giveaways and a networking event. For more information visit https://info.co811.org/2025-colorado-811-annual-summit.

For more on safe digging and to request a locate, visit colorado811.org.

Governor Polis' Proclamation

In alignment with this important campaign, Governor Jared Polis has issued a proclamation recognizing the importance of 811 Day. The proclamation reads as follows:

Proclamation by Governor Jared Polis:

"Whereas, damage to Colorado's underground utilities by excavation and digging projects directly affects the safety and economic welfare of our people and communities; and

WHEREAS, Colorado established the One-Call Notification System in 1986 as a fast, easy, and comprehensive way to ensure that underground facilities are properly marked before an excavation project or any digging begins; and

WHEREAS, it is important for excavators, contractors, and homeowners to know that state law requires them to contact Colorado 811 (the Utility Notification Center of Colorado) before embarking on any excavation or digging project; and

WHEREAS, Colorado 811 continually works to raise awareness about its key message: "811, know what's below, call before you dig"; and

WHEREAS, Coloradans recognize Colorado 811 for its continuing efforts to reduce the incidence of preventable utility damages and so help protect the health and prosperity of our state; and

WHEREAS, the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's Division of Oil & Public Safety promotes public safety by developing best practices and reviewing complaints of alleged violations of the One-Call Law;

Therefore, I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim August 11, 2025, as 811 DAY in the State of Colorado.

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 Our 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.

Contact:
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SOURCE Colorado 811