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PHOENIX – Across the state, many shared utility services that communities rely on run through corridors directly underneath them. These include: natural gas, electricity, communications, water and more. Too often, homeowners completing Do it Yourself projects in their yard do not realize that many of these utilities may be buried just a few inches below ground. Arizona 811, Arizona Public Service, Southwest Gas and SRP want to warn customers of the dangers associated with digging into a utility line and encourage customers to know what’s below – call 811 before you dig.
Unfortunately, too many people in the United States will dig this year without first having underground utility lines marked. Digging into these lines can cause, serious injuries and make for costly repairs. In 2016, more than 2,000 incidents of hit utility lines were reported in Arizona. Underground power lines, while well insulated, can be easily damaged by a shovel or pick and create a shock or flash hazard. This not only poses a safety risk but can also cause an interruption of service to customers.
Southwest Gas reminds the public that a natural gas leak can be detected by a distinct sulfur-like odor, like rotten eggs, even if it’s faint or momentary. Unusual hissing or roaring coming from the ground or an above-ground pipeline, bubbling water and discolored plants or grass surrounding a pipeline, can also be signs of a leak.
Contact Arizona 811 from anywhere in Arizona at least two full working days prior to digging. Arizona 811 will send the homeowner’s utility companies out to the site to locate and mark the underground lines, pipes and cables at, or near, a planned dig site. Customers can also make an 811 ticket request easily online using E-Stake.
Do you know what the utility markings on the ground mean? In the United States, uniform color codes for temporary marking of underground utilities are:
· RED – electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
· ORANGE – telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
· YELLOW – natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum or other gaseous or flammable material
· GREEN – sewers and drain lines
· BLUE – drinking water, irrigation and slurry lines
· PURPLE – reclaimed water
· PINK – temporary survey markings, unknown/unidentified facilities
· WHITE – proposed excavation limits or routes
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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