The Importance of Colors of Underground Utility Lines

It is now easier to know what an underground utility line is for. Before, it was difficult to do so and people were at risk if they try to make a dig without being able to identify all the lines underneath the land. Today, the risks have been lessened although not completely eliminated. In order to prevent harm, it is important to know or identify these utility lines if your need to dig the ground. The OSHA requires that utilities underground first be located before digging through a piece of land. You dont want something disastrous to occur. Fatal injuries can happen if underground utility lines are struck. The location of the areas where the lines were struck can experience service interruption. Before digging their property, people should call 811 to call the utility companies so that these incidents are prevented. Utility companies can then mark out their respective lines when you call them out.

But, despite the marks, there will sill be accidents. The reality is that there is an incident almost every 6 minutes where utility line are struck. When utility lines are stuck it causes disturbances in traffic lights wastewater pipes, telecommunication lines and more. These incidents affect public health and safety.


It is easier to identify underground utility lines today because they now use different colors for each utility. The colors below indicate the kind of utility uses it.


Temporary survey markings use pink lines. Surveyors use pink lines to mark off legal property boundaries.

If you see red lines, then you can be sure that these are electric power lines, cable, conduit, and lighting cables. The color red is associated with fire and danger so it is just appropriate to use it for electrical works.


Communication, alarm, signal lines, cable, or conduit use orange lines. Blue lines are used for potable water. Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines used purple lines. If you see the color green, then it indicates sewer and drain lines. Hitting this line can truly derail any project for a long period of time.


Similar Posts