Governor Polis proclaims April as safe digging month in Colorado

GOLDEN, Colo. (April 2, 2025) — Colorado officials declared April 2025 as Safe Digging Month to raise awareness about excavation safety, Colorado 811 announced Wednesday.

Colorado 811 partnered with Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, and the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety to secure the proclamation.

The announcement coincides with National Safe Digging Month, an annual observance that promotes proper digging practices to prevent damage to underground utilities.

The initiative aims to reduce incidents of damaged utility lines, which can cause service disruptions, injuries, and environmental hazards. Colorado residents are reminded to call 811 at least three business days before starting any digging project.

Colorado 811 will host several educational events throughout April to provide information about safe digging practices and the free utility location service.

“Damages to public underground utility lines cost the U.S. approximately $30 billion per year. The number one reason why these damages occur is because 811 was not contacted to have underground lines’ marked before digging activity occurred,” said Claudia Randall, executive director of Colorado 811.

“Colorado’s Dig Season” is weather-dependent, and most residential excavation activities occur between March through October each year. Injuries and vast damage can be prevented if everyone in Colorado simply contacts 811 to submit their locate request to have their excavation area marked before digging. It’s free! It’s fast! And it’s a law! Help Colorado 811 keep you, your community, friends, and neighbors safe and contact 811 every time before you dig,” Randall added.

This initiative follows a significant milestone in national safety efforts. In March of 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 811 as the national “Call Before You Dig” number. Operating across all states, 811 provides a simple and effective way for residents and contractors alike to ensure that digging is done safely. No matter where you are located, the free service is accessible, helping to prevent potentially dangerous and costly underground utility damages.

Legal Requirement for Safe Digging

In Colorado, state law mandates that individuals and businesses must request public utility markings before beginning any digging activity. Colorado 811 acts as the communication hub between homeowners, contractors, and utility companies to ensure underground utilities are properly marked. This service, which is free of charge, should be requested at least three business days prior to any excavation project.

Whether you are landscaping, installing a swing set or basketball hoop, building a fence, or planting a tree, it is critical to contact Colorado 811 first. Failing to do so could result in damage to underground public utilities, project delays, or, in the worst cases, severe injury to you or others.

Steps to Digging Safely for Homeowners

To prevent public utility damage and ensure safety, Colorado 811 urges property owners to follow these key steps before starting any digging project:

• Contact 811: Visit colorado811.org or call 811 to request a free underground utility line locate. This service protects public underground utilities such as gas, electricity, water, and internet lines.
• Wait 3 business days and track your request on colorado811.org. The public utility companies will respond with a message indicating the status of your request. If public utilities are present, the location of the lines will be identified by paint and/or flags. Once marked, maintain the marks to ensure they remain visible while digging.
• Always dig cautiously with hand tools when digging within 18 inches of the marks where the utility line is located.

In alignment with this important campaign, Governor Jared Polis has issued a proclamation recognizing the importance of safe digging practices. The proclamation reads as follows:

Proclamation by Governor Jared Polis:

“Whereas, damage to Colorado’s underground utilities by excavation and digging projects directly affects the safety and economic welfare of our people and communities; and

Whereas, Colorado established the One-Call Notification System in 1986 as a fast, easy, and comprehensive way to ensure that underground facilities are properly marked before an excavation project or any digging begins; and

Whereas, it is important for excavators, contractors, and homeowners to know that state law requires them to contact Colorado 811 (the Utility Notification Center of Colorado) before embarking on any excavation or digging project; and

Whereas, Colorado 811 continually works to raise awareness about its key message: “811, know what’s below, call before you dig”; and

Whereas, Coloradans recognize Colorado 811 for its continuing efforts to reduce the incidence of preventable utility damages and so help protect the health and prosperity of our state; and

Whereas, the Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment promotes public safety by developing best practices and reviewing complaints of alleged violations of the One-Call Law;

Therefore, I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2025 as DIG SAFELY MONTH.“