Driving around town, you’ll likely pass a yard or two containing a rainbow of small flags that comes as a result of underground utility marking required before an excavation project can occur. Whether the project is a large one that involves machine-powered equipment or as small as planting a tree or installing a new mailbox, Minnesota State law requires homeowners to contact Gopher State One Call to locate underground utilities. The flags aren’t just bright and vibrant for visual purposes; each color actually represents a different underground system:
- WHITE – Area of Proposed Excavation
- PINK – Temporary Survey Markings
- RED – Electric
- YELLOW – Gas, Oil, Steam, Propane
- ORANGE – Communications, CATV, Fiber
- BLUE – Water
- PURPLE – Reclaimed Water, Irrigation
- GREEN – Sewer
Assuming you know what’s below can be both dangerous and costly if underground facilities are compromised. Call 811 or visit www.gopherstateonecall.org to request locate-services at least 48 hours in advance of excavation plans.