You have probably noticed small flags of various colors placed in the grass around town, in your yard or in your neighborhood? Sometimes the grass or ground is also marked with paint.  So what does this mean?

It means someone is planning to do some digging in the area and they have called 811 to check the area for underground utilities such as water, sewer, gas, phone, electricity, etc… Then the area is marked with a flag or paint to indicate what utility is underground.  If someone digs up a line, it could be detrimental, therefore it is required you call 811 before you dig.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) has color-coded all utilities so it’s easy for those in the industry to immediately identify what utility is running where.

Here’s a key to the flags’ colors:

If flags are in your yard, please do not remove them, they may have a logo and/or the name of the utility that has placed it there.  If you question why an area has been marked you can call them to inquire about their placement.  Please remember they have been placed there for safety purposes, please leave them where they are.