How to Mark a Buried Water Line

Water, electric, gas, cable and phone lines are all buried in the yards around houses. It is important to locate and mark these lines whenever a project requires digging. Blue markings signify potable water. Green markings signify sewer and drainage lines. Purple markings signify reclaimed water lines. Since water lines are owned by the city, the water utility company will send out locators to mark the lines. The common ground alliance, or CGA, has a free 811 service to contact utility company locators to mark buried lines.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Dial 811 to contact a customer service representative. Call at least 48 hours to 72 hours before you plan to dig.

   • 2

     Allow the representative to connect your call to the One Call Center for the local area. The One Call Center will contact the utility company, which will send locators to the location.

   • 3

     Set an appointment for the locators to arrive in two to three business days to mark the buried water lines. The locators will mark the lines for free. The potable water lines are marked blue, the sewer and drainage lines are marked green, and the reclaimed water lines are marked purple.