Across the country, reports of damage to underground utility lines are on the rise, posing serious risks from property destruction to dangerous explosions. National data shows more than 83,000 reports of damage to gas and electrical lines in 2024 alone, with one in four of these incidents occurring because individuals failed to call 811 before digging.
Calling 811 connects residents to a free, national service designed to prevent damage to vital utility lines by marking their locations. This service is required by law for any digging project, whether it's a large construction endeavor or simply planting shrubs. Experts from the Common Ground Alliance indicate that more than half a million reports of damage to underground utilities have been filed at dig sites in recent years, with the incident rate increasing alongside the amount of construction activity nationwide.
Sarah Magruder Lyle with the Common Ground Alliance highlighted the severe consequences of striking a utility line, noting that an energy source can quickly turn into an instant threat. In Missouri, for instance, more than 10,000 reports have been filed in recent years. This increasing trend has been linked to multiple home explosions in that region, including incidents in O’Fallon, Jefferson County, and Glendale, some of which have been deadly. Last year, a 5-year-old was killed outside Kansas City when his home exploded, also injuring his sister and father.
The human cost and property damage are significant. In January, Molly Krummenacher returned to her St. Louis, Missouri, home to find her hot water heater and dryer on fire, with water spewing after an excavator struck her electric line. Molly stated that AT&T, which had hired subcontractor USIC to install fiber optic internet in the area, had no flag or marking for the electrical line. The incident caused a power surge that turned neutral wires into live wires, resulting in $20,000 in damage to her home and affecting a neighbor's property as well. Molly described the situation as "sheer panic and disbelief" and a "frustrating and sad situation."
Magruder Lyle explained that massive upgrades to internet infrastructure, specifically the installation of fiber optic lines, are driving much of the current digging activity. This constant evolution of buried utilities—including water, sewage, electricity, internet, and gas—makes identifying their exact underground locations a complex challenge. Common Ground Alliance data shows that many utility locate requests are late, missing, or inaccurate, with responsibility shared among those who locate lines, those who dig, and those who initially try to find utilities.
Preventing damage to underground utilities is possible, Magruder Lyle emphasized. While Missouri has strengthened its dig laws to require new utility lines to be buried with detectable devices like tracer wire or locator tape, Magruder Lyle stated that electronic geo-location mapping technology is also crucial. She advised residents to pay close attention to dig notices, paint markings, and flags in their yards or along streets. If residents don't see appropriate markings, she encourages them to ask, stating, "If you don’t see something, then say something."
Understanding the colored markings commonly seen on the ground can help residents stay informed. Erik Phillips, vice president of operations for UtiliQuest, an organization focused on preventing utility damage, explained the standard color codes:
* Red indicates electrical lines. * Orange represents phone lines. * Yellow marks gas lines. * Blue signifies water lines. * Green identifies sewer and storm drains.
Common Ground Alliance experts stress that even when a contractor is performing the work, it remains the resident's responsibility to call 811 before any digging begins. By taking this simple but critical step, residents of Bismarck and Mandan can help prevent dangerous and costly incidents, protecting both their property and their community's safety.
