Is it true that you must notify underground utilities before digging?

It is true that you must notify underground utilities before digging. This requirement is critical for ensuring the safety of workers and the public, as well as to prevent damage to important utility services like water, gas, electricity, telecommunications, and sewer lines.

Before any excavation, it is mandatory to contact a local utility notification center, which will then arrange for utility companies to mark the locations of their underground lines. This practice is part of the "call before you dig" initiative established to avoid serious accidents and disruptions that could result from unintentional strikes on hidden utility lines. Adhering to this requirement helps protect property, prevent injuries or fatalities, and ensures compliance with local laws and regulations regarding excavation activities.