March 21, 2024
Ever wonder about those multi-colored markings that you see from time to time on neighborhood streets, sidewalks and lawns? They're part of the 811 “Call Before You Dig” program, a free and essential service that helps Mississippians locate their underground utility lines.
By calling 811 before engaging in any home-improvement project that involves digging, you can help prevent accidental damage to underground pipes and wires, which can save you time, money, and even your life.
“The 811 program enhances public safety and protects underground utility assets from damage,” said Edward Kemp, general manager of Starkville Utilities. “It applies to anything that involves digging, even smaller projects like planting trees and shrubs or installing fences and mailboxes.”
State law requires Mississippians to call 811 at least three days before breaking ground or make an online request at https://call811.com/. Mississippi’s 811 center will then inform utility operators in the area to mark buried utility lines on your property with color-coded paint, flags or stakes: red for electric; yellow for gas, oil and steam; orange for communications; blue for water; green for sewer; pink for temporary survey markings; and white for new construction.
Starkville Utilities also follows the 811 process before digging to repair waterlines, sewer lines and electrical infrastructure.
If a hired professional is doing work on your property that involves digging, make sure they’ve called 811 or made their request online before beginning work. Once all buried lines have been marked, property owners should dig carefully around utility marks and consider relocating projects that are close to buried utilities.
The Mississippi 811 center in Pearl, Mississippi, provides a statewide communications link between excavators, contractors, builders and private citizens and those who own and operate underground facilities. The non-profit center is funded by member utility companies that operate or maintain underground facilities throughout the state.
Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.