Governor Polis supports National Safe Digging Month. Colorado 811 Celebrates with a Reminder to Contact 811 Before You Dig.

GOLDEN, Colo., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dive into spring safely with Colorado 811 as we kick off National Safe Digging Month this April! Home and property owners, professional contractors, and excavation professionals statewide are invited to join this vital movement, underscored by Governor Jared Polis's official Proclamation declaring April 2026 as Safe Digging Month in Colorado. Contacting 811 before digging for any project is not only easy and free—it's the key to preventing injuries, avoiding service outages, and protecting costly underground utility damages.

With the warm weather, Colorado's digging season is in full swing. From landscaping and fence installations to irrigation, construction, and utility repairs, safe excavation practices are mission critical. This year, Colorado 811 is thrilled to mark its 40th anniversary, celebrating decades of dedication as Colorado's official 811 Utility Notification Center. Since 1986, we have empowered Colorado communities with resources and knowledge to keep people, property, and our State's public underground utility infrastructure safe.

"Damages to public underground utility lines cost the U.S. approximately $30 billion per year and the number one reason why these damages occur is because 811 was not contacted to have underground utility lines marked before digging activity occurred," explains Claudia Randall, Executive Director of Colorado 811. "Injuries and vast damage can be prevented if everyone in Colorado simply contacts 811 to submit their underground utility line locate request to have their excavation area marked before digging. It's free! It's fast! And it's the law! Help Colorado 811 keep you, your community, friends, and neighbors safe and contact 811 every time before you dig-no matter how shallow the dig area is."

Governor's Safe Digging Month Proclamation

In a powerful show of support for damage prevention and public safety, Governor Jared Polis has issued a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Safe Digging Month in Colorado. The proclamation underscores the importance of Colorado's 811 One Call Notification System and reminds all Coloradans that calling 811 before digging is a shared responsibility—protecting families, communities, and the state's future.

WHEREAS, damage to Colorado's underground utilities by excavation and digging projects directly affects the safety and the 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 home and property owners 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, in 2025, nearly 43% of 9-1-1 center service disruptions were caused by accidental cuts of telecommunications lines, which could potentially be avoided by calling 8-1-1 and having underground telecommunications lines properly located; and

WHEREAS, Colorado 811 continually works to raise awareness about its key message: "Know what's below, contact 811 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, approximately 60% of damage to gas pipelines in Colorado is due to excavation activities, which could be prevented by contacting 8-1-1, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission's Pipeline Safety Program promotes 8-1-1 as part of its work to ensure compliance with the State's gas pipeline safety regulations and public safety; and

WHEREAS, the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment 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 April 2026, as DIG SAFELY MONTH in the State of Colorado.

Why Safe Digging Matters

Colorado law requires anyone planning to dig to request a utility line locate before excavation begins. Colorado 811 serves as the statewide communication link between excavators and public utility owners, ensuring underground utilities such as natural gas, electric, water, sewer, and communications lines are properly marked. Last year alone, Colorado 811 processed more than 1,179,438 underground utility line locate requests—a testament to the state's active commitment to safe digging.

Introducing the NEW Colorado 811 Exactix Ticketing System

In a bold leap forward, Colorado 811 recently launched its new Ticketing System in January 2026. This ensures that submitting and managing locate requests is faster, easier, and more intuitive than ever for anyone in Colorado. Enhanced online self-service tools, and a streamlined experience empower everyone from homeowners to industry professionals to get their dig areas marked quickly. Enter your online ticket requests, use live chat support, and view training resources at colorado811.org—your one-stop shop for safe digging!

Steps for Safe Digging

Colorado 811 urges all Coloradans to follow these essential steps before starting any digging project:

1. Visit colorado811.org or call  811 (800-922-1987) to request a free underground public utility line locate. This service protects public underground utilities such as gas, electricity, water, sewer, and internet lines. Remember, "privately owned utilities" won't be included in this service.
2. Wait and Track your Request. Wait at least 3 full business days and track your request on colorado811.org. Utility companies will respond with a message indicating the status of your request.
3. Respect the marks. If utilities are present, the location of the utility line will be identified by paint and/or flags. Once marked, maintain the marks to ensure they remain visible while digging, so you do not hit the lines below. Make sure paint and flags remain visible while you dig. Do not dig on top of the markings with machinery without knowing where the lines are underneath.
4. Dig Safely, Dig Carefully. Dig with care, using extra caution near markings. Always dig cautiously with hand tools when digging within 18 inches of a mark or flag for a public utility line. Ask your landscaper or excavator do to the same.

Failure to contact 811 before digging can result in serious injury, utility outages, environmental damage, project delays, and potential legal consequences. Don't risk it—always contact 811 every time before you dig!

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

A nonprofit organization that serves as the communication link between utility owners and anyone planning to dig in the state, relaying line locate 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: [email protected]

SOURCE Colorado 811