Before You Dig
Call 811 before any digging project. It's free, it's easy, and it's the law.
Call 811
Before you dig, plant, or excavate. It's free and required by Georgia law.
Georgia Law Requirements
Under the Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act (O.C.G.A. 25-9), anyone who plans to dig, excavate, or perform any work that involves moving earth is required to contact Georgia 811 at least two full business days (not including the day of the call) before starting work.
This law applies to all types of digging, including:
- Fence installation
- Planting trees or large shrubs
- Building a deck, patio, or addition
- Installing an irrigation or sprinkler system
- Grading or excavating land
- Installing mailbox posts or signs
Failure to call 811 before digging can result in fines, and you may be held liable for damage to underground utility lines and any resulting service disruptions.
How the Process Works
Call 811 or Submit Online
Contact Georgia 811 at least two full business days before you plan to dig. You can call 811 or submit a locate request online at Georgia811.com. This service is free.
Wait for Markings
Utility companies will send locators to mark the approximate location of underground lines on your property using colored paint or flags. Gas lines are marked in yellow.
Respect the Marks
Dig carefully around the marked areas. The marks indicate approximate locations. Hand dig within 18 inches on either side of any marked utility line.
Dig Safely
If you hit or damage a gas line while digging, leave the area immediately and call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 1-877-427-4321. Do not try to repair the line yourself.
Utility Line Color Codes
When utility locators mark your property, they use a standard color system:
If You Hit a Gas Line
If you accidentally strike or damage a gas line while digging, leave the area immediately. Do not attempt to repair the line. From a safe location, call 911 and Atlanta Gas Light at 1-877-427-4321.