How 811 Works

  • CALL 811 TWO FULL WORKING DAYS BEFORE DIGGING (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.). In other words, call 811 no later than Wednesday if you plan to dig on the weekend.
  • ONLINE REQUESTS for 811 services can be made at usanorth811.org. To learn more about submitting e-tickets, watch USA North 811's E-Ticket Training Video (YouTube).
  • TELL THE 811 OPERATOR where you plan to dig and the type of work you will be doing.
  • 811 WILL NOTIFY affected utility companies.
  • THE UTILITIES WILL SEND A LOCATOR to mark the approximate location of your buried utility lines, pipes and cables, or notify you if the buried lines are clear (more than 24" from the area where you plan to dig).
  • PRE-MARK YOUR DIG AREA in white (paint, flags, flour, etc.) to identify the appropriate area for the locator to mark.
  • THE LOCATORS WILL MARK the approximate location of underground lines using the color codes to the right.
  • DIG SAFELY!