Who must identify and mark underground facilities before you dig?

• A. Everyone
• B. Utilities only
• C. Contractors only
• D. Private homeowners only

Answer: (A)

Before you dig, identifying and marking buried utilities is everyone’s responsibility who will excavate. This safety step protects you and others from hitting gas lines, electric cables, water mains, and telecom lines, which can cause fires, injuries, service outages, and costly repairs. The standard approach is to contact the local one-call center (often dial 811) and have utilities mark all buried lines in the digging area. The markings show where utilities run so you can plan work to avoid them or dig with care near the lines. This applies to private homeowners, contractors, and anyone else who will dig, because the risk and responsibility are the same for any digging project. Even small landscape or irrigation trenching should start with a call to ensure safe digging.