Before You Dig, Make Sure You Dial 8-1-1

In recognition of National 8-1-1 Day, remember to take precaution if you’re planning an outdoor landscaping or renovation project that involves digging. Because your property may contain underground utility lines, it’s critical to call 8-1-1 before you dig. Knowing where utility lines are buried can help you avoid injury, service outages and costly repairs. 

At least 72 working-hours before digging, call 8-1-1 to be routed to your local call center. Tell the operator where you'll be digging, what type of work you're doing and when. Within a few days, your local utility companies, including Duquesne Light, will visit your site and mark the location of any underground lines, free of charge. 

Each utility type is marked with a specific color: 

Making the call is the most prudent thing to do. If you dig without calling, you are responsible by law not only for injury to yourself or others, but also for any damage caused by digging into underground utility facilities. 

The 8-1-1 campaign is operated by the Common Ground Alliance, an association created to work with the utility industry to prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure and ensure public safety. To learn more about safe digging practices, visit Duquesne Light’s website.