In Oregon,

call at least 48 hours prior to digging:
811 or 1-800-332-2344


In Washington,

call two business days prior to digging:
811 or 1-800-424-5555

Damage Prevention - It's a Shared Responsibility

Statistics show that someone working or digging around a pipeline, physically striking it, and damaging it, causes the majority of pipeline incidents. Major damage could break the pipeline, causing gas to leak. Minor damage that is ignored, instead of repaired, can become dangerous months after the incident. Even if you barely nick the protective coating of a Cascade pipe, call Cascade for an inspection prior to burying it. The pipe you damaged might hurt you or your neighbors if it is not fixed properly.

You Can Help Prevent Damage - It's Free!

Washington and Oregon laws require that all utilities be members of the Call Before You Dig system in your area. When any excavator or homeowner is going to dig, they call the free phone number and report the job location and information. Utility employees will come out to mark the locations of underground pipes, wires, data cables, and so forth. This service is provided to you free of charge!

Keep in mind that utility employees will not locate pipes or lines that you own or rent.

Call Before You Dig - It's the Law!

Washington and Oregon laws require persons doing any tipe of excavation to Call Before You Dig. The law covers both public and private property. Excavating includes any movement of rocks, soil, or other material on or below ground. You must call at least two business days before you dig. After calling, you must wait two business days before digging so that utility employees have time to complete your request.

There is only one exception to the law. Property owners and renters are not required to Call Before You Dig if the work meets two conditions. First, the work must be entirely on your property. Second, the excavation must not be deeper than 12 inches. If you need to dig deeper, Call Before You Dig.

What do the Marks Mean?

Utility employees will mark the ground over their underground utility with colored paint, stakes, or flags. The marks show the location and path of the utility. The marks for your site will depend on which utilities are in your neighborhood.

The various colors of the markings mean the following utilities are underground:

Red – Electric
Yellow – Gas, Oil, or Fuel
Orange – Cable TV or Phone
Blue – Drinking Water
Green – Sewer
Purple – Non-Drinking Water
Pink – Survey Marks
White – Excavator Proposed Dig Locations

Digging Safely

You must take care while excavating near marks, or you could damage the utility. The safest method is to dig 24 inches away from the marks, and knock dirt loose with your shovel until you find the utlity. Once you uncover it, be careful not to damage it.