What does the color ORANGE mean in utility marking?

• A. Water, irrigation, slurry lines
• B. Gas, oil, Petroleum
• C. Electrical Lines
• D. Communications, Phones

Answer: (D)

Orange marks indicate underground communications lines, such as telephone cables and fiber optic data lines. This color is used to alert crews that telecom infrastructure is buried in the area, and damaging it can interrupt phones, internet, and cable services. Because telecom lines can run close to the surface and weave with other utilities, it’s essential to exercise extra caution, call for a locate, and follow the designated digging procedures before starting any excavation. For additional context, other colors identify different utilities: red for electric power, yellow for gas or oil, blue for water, and green for sewer.