If you are planning a project that involves digging, trenching, drilling or grading, state law requires you to call 811 at least three days before digging. This is a free service and there are penalties if you dig and hit a line, but did not call. Although accidents are relatively rare, damage from digging is the most common cause of underground natural gas leaks. Respect the marks, then dig with care. When you start digging, try to stay as least 18 inches away from the marked lines. Hand digging with extreme caution is required when digging within the 18-inch tolerance zone
811 – Know what’s below. Call before you dig!
Before Contacting Iowa One Call
When you contact Iowa One Call with a locate request, a series of questions will be asked.
- What is your name, address and phone number?
- What type of work will you be doing? (i.e. planting a tree,
installation of fence) - What is the dig location’s address, city, county and nearest
intersecting street? - At the dig location, where will you be digging? (i.e. east
side of house, within 5 ft radius of white stake.) - When will you be digging? (i.e. 3 days, next week)
What Does NOT Get Marked
Only the buried facilities registered with Iowa One Call will be located and marked. Private facilities will not be marked for locates. These can include LP gas lines, sprinkler systems, gas grill lines, or more.
Respect the marks, then dig with care
When you start digging, try to stay as least 18 inches away from the marked lines. Hand digging with extreme caution is required when digging within the 18-inch tolerance zone.