A simple call can protect your property, your community, and the utilities you rely on every day.
August 11 (8/11) serves as an important reminder for Minnesota homeowners, contractors, and professionals: always contact 811 before starting any digging project.
Whether you’re planting a tree, installing a mailbox, building a deck, or beginning a large construction project, contacting 811 before digging is a free and easy step that helps prevent damage to underground utilities, service interruptions, costly repairs, and potential injuries.
Gopher State One Call (GSOC) is encouraging everyone across MN to make 811 part of every digging plan—not just on August 11, but every day of the year.
Why Calling 811 Matters
Underground utility lines are everywhere, and many are located closer to the surface than people realize. Every few minutes, an underground utility line is damaged because someone begins digging without requesting a utility locate first.
Striking a buried utility line can have serious consequences, including:
- Disrupted essential services
- Expensive repairs
- Fines and project delays
- Severe injuries
- Potential loss of life
A quick 811 request before digging helps ensure that underground utility lines are properly marked before work begins.
Every Digging Project Requires a Call
Many people assume small projects don’t require a utility locate—but that isn’t the case. Projects of all sizes require contacting 811, including:
- Planting shrubs or trees
- Installing a fence or mailbox
- Building a deck or patio
- Starting a landscaping project
- Beginning a major construction job
Once a locate request is submitted, utility operators mark the approximate locations of underground facilities so digging can be completed safely.
Know the Minnesota 811 Process
Under MN law, utility operators have 48 hours to complete requested locates, excluding the day the request is submitted, weekends, and legal holidays.
The 48-hour waiting period begins at 12:01 a.m. on the day after the request is submitted. For example, if you submit a locate request on Tuesday, digging may begin no earlier than 12:01 a.m. Friday, as long as all requested locates have been completed.
Planning ahead is especially important for weekend projects. Submitting your request early helps ensure your project stays on schedule while keeping everyone safe.
“It’s Free, It’s Fast, and It Can Prevent a Life-Changing Mistake”
“On August 11—and every day—we remind homeowners and contractors to use 811 before they dig,” said Kelly Connolly, chief operations officer at Gopher State One Call. “This simple step protects you, your property, and your entire community. It’s free, it’s fast, and it can prevent a life-changing mistake.”
Before You Dig, Follow These Safety Steps
Keep your next project safe by following these simple guidelines:
- Contact 811 a few days before digging—regardless of the project size or how familiar you are with your property.
- Plan ahead and submit your request early in the week if you’re planning weekend work.
- Wait until utilities are marked and confirm all requested utilities have responded before starting.
- Respect utility markings and dig carefully around marked areas.
- Confirm your contractor has contacted 811 if you’re hiring someone to complete the work. Never allow digging to begin without proper locates.
Make 811 Your First Step Before Every Dig
A few minutes spent contacting 811 can help prevent costly damage, protect essential services, and keep Minnesota communities safe.
Before starting your next digging project, request your free utility locate and learn more about safe digging practices right here on GopherStateOneCall.org. Click here to learn more.