LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Nevada experienced 509 incidents of reported utility damage in 2023, averaging more than one incident per day, according to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA). These incidents have impacted essential services such as water, internet, and electricity.
Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, President and CEO of the CGA, emphasized the importance of the “Call Before You Dig” law in Nevada. “Digging—whether we’re talking about a shovel or a backhoe—can damage buried utility lines,” she said. The consequences of such damage can be severe, ranging from loss of utility service to injury or even death.
James Wingate, Executive Director of USA North 811, explained that the free 811 system is designed to help homeowners and contractors avoid buried utilities safely. “Contact 811 by phone or go online to submit a dig ticket with USA North 811 at least two working days before you plan to break ground,” Wingate said. He advised waiting for all affected utilities to respond by marking buried lines with paint or flags before proceeding with any digging.
A recent national survey revealed that 26.9 million homeowners planning do-it-yourself digging projects will not contact 811, putting themselves and their communities at risk. “The number one cause of damages to buried utilities in the U.S. every year is NOT contacting 811 before digging,” Magruder Lyle said, noting that landscaping work is the most common type of excavation causing damages due to failure to contact 811.
Both experts urged homeowners and contractors to always contact 811 a few days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property, to prevent utility service disruptions, costly fines and repairs, and potential injuries.