Don’t Get Zapped Or Break Phone Lines, April is Safe Digging Month in WA

Planting in the garden is one thing, but digging deep is another.  April is 811 Safe Digging Month in WA.

  We've All Heard Stories of People Tearing up Phone, Cable or Other Lines

  One of the biggest examples of not calling before you dig happened in 2022, when the Kennewick Irrigation District had to declare a state of emergency due to irrigation lines torn up by contractors.

Multiple contractors installing fiber optic cables and lines broke numerous KID water supply lines, and thousands of dollars had to be invested to make emergency repairs.

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The contractors were eventually held liable.

  April is Safe Digging Month in WA State

If you're planning a significant dig on your property, such as installing an underground sprinkler system, or home renovation, tearing out a swimming pool, just about any kind of significant dig, call 811.

The free locator system will provide information about where irrigation, power, water and telephone-digital lines are on your property so you can avoid them.

And yes, if tear up these lines, you are usually held liable and it can be spendy. Also, it can be a safety issue if a natural gas line is ruptured. In August of 2022, there was a natural gas line break near Finley, Cascad Natural Gas had to make repairs to a line that was ruptured by crews who were working and broke the four-inch line. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage occurred.

Call 811,  or you can see their online webste, it's recommended you reach out at least 2 days prior to any excavation, and if needed, a worker will come out and mark where any lines are.  Be safe!