In 2025, there were more than 1,200 incidents in Northern and Central California where underground utility lines were damaged due to digging.
OAKLAND, California — Every year, during the spring and summer months, many California homeowners and residents turn their attention to yard improvement projects that involve digging. Whether it’s repairing or replacing a fence, planting, landscaping, or installing a new mailbox, April is National Dig Safe Month—a reminder to call 811 before any digging project, large or small, to dig safely and avoid repair bills averaging $3,500.
During 2025, there were more than 1,200 incidents where underground utility lines were damaged due to digging. And all too often, these incidents stem from seemingly small digging projects where homeowners failed to call 811. In fact, in 89 percent of incidents where a homeowner damaged an underground utility line while digging, there was no 811 call. Digging without knowing the location of underground lines is not only dangerous, but it can also cause costly repairs, inconvenient power outages, and require a 911 call. Underground utility lines can be shallow, often just inches below the surface due to erosion, previous digging or landscaping projects, ground shifting or settling, and uneven terrain. Customers should make a toll-free 811 call at least two business days before beginning any digging project, large or small.
“It is mandatory to call 811 before any excavation project, even small projects using hand tools. This simple, free step will help keep you, your family, and your neighbors safe, and prevent costly repairs. Once 811 has been notified, professionals will mark the location of underground lines with paint and/or flags so you know what’s underneath and can dig safely,” said Jeff Janvier, Chief Gas Operations Officer at PG&E.
During the warmer summer months, there will be an increase in the number of excavation projects, and unfortunately, many of these projects are carried out without making a toll-free call to 811 to mark the utilities at the project sites. In fact, a recent national survey by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) revealed that the most common reason homeowners fail to contact 811 is to assume their project is too shallow to pose a risk—a misconception that continues to endanger people and property. From planting a tree to installing a mailbox or a backyard fence, no excavation project is too small to warrant calling 811.
2024 in numbers:
- There were 1,247 incidents in Northern and Central California in which homeowners or contractors damaged underground gas or electric lines while digging.
- In 55 percent of the incidents where an underground utility line was damaged due to digging, there was no 811 call.
Specifically for homeowners, that percentage rises to 89 percent. - The average cost to repair a damaged utility line is $3,500.
- The main causes of damage to underground utility lines when excavating are: building or repairing a fence, gardening and landscaping, planting a tree or removing a stump, drainage and irrigation work, and building a patio or deck.
Calling 811 is fast and free:
- Customers should call 811 at least two business days before beginning any project involving excavation, regardless of size. Customers can also visit 811express.com to have utility lines marked for their project site.
- Professional workers from all utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecommunications) will be dispatched to mark the location of all underground utility lines at the project site, using either flags, spray paint, or both.
- The 811 USA North call center, serving Central and Northern California, is staffed 24/7 and offers translation services in Spanish and other languages.
PG&E Tips for Safe Excavation.
PG&E’s tips for safe digging
- Mark the project area with white: Identify the excavation zone by outlining the area with white paint, white flags, white chalk, or even flour.
- Call 811 or submit an online request at least two business days before excavating: Have the project address and general location, project start date, and type of excavation activity ready. PG&E and other utility providers will identify underground utilities in the area free of charge. Requests can be submitted no later than 14 days before the project begins.
- Excavation safety: Use hand tools if you will be excavating within 24 inches of the outer edge of underground lines. Leave utility flags, stakes, or paint markings in place until the project is complete. Backfill and compact the soil.
- Be alert for any signs of a natural gas leak: Watch for a “rotten egg” smell, listen for hissing, whistling, or roaring sounds, and watch for dirt being thrown into the air, bubbles forming in a pond or stream, or vegetation dying or beginning to die in a wet area.
About the Common Ground Alliance: The CGA is a member-driven association of nearly 4,000 damage prevention professionals spanning all facets of the underground utilities industry. Established in 2000, the CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to North America’s underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. The CGA has established itself as the leading source of data and information on damage prevention in an effort to reduce damage to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders. For more information, visit the CGA website at http://www.commongroundalliance.com.
About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company: A subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), PG&E is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
