BRYN MAWR, PA — Essential Utilities, alongside its water and natural gas subsidiaries Aqua and Peoples Natural Gas, is marking National Safe Digging Month by urging homeowners, businesses, and contractors to contact 811 before starting any excavation projects, large or small.
By law, anyone engaging in digging activities, from major construction to simple home improvements such as planting trees or installing a mailbox, must use the 811 One Call system. Essential National Safety Director Matt Deluhery stressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “National Safe Digging Month reminds us that calling 811 before starting any digging project – no matter how small – helps protect critical underground infrastructure. Gas, water, and other underground utility lines are out of sight, but they cannot be out of mind when excavating.”
The 811 system ensures underground utility lines are clearly marked to prevent accidental damage. Essential outlined the key steps for safe digging:
- Call 811 at least three business days before starting a project.
- Wait for professional locators to mark utility lines.
- Respect the markings and use proper excavation methods.
- Report any damage to pipelines, locator wires, or warning markers immediately.
Though 811 is a nationwide service, Essential emphasized the importance of checking specific state laws to ensure compliance.
Through its subsidiaries Aqua and Peoples, Essential remains committed to supporting the 811 program and raising awareness for safe digging practices. This National Safe Digging Month, the message is clear: always Call Before You Dig.
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