Public Works Dig Alert

Contact 811 Before You Dig

Before Digging, Know What’s Underground

Electric power lines, natural gas pipelines, communications lines, high-pressure water lines, sewer lines and other utility services could be within a few feet of the surface. For homeowners, excavating in your yard poses some risk. Digging into an underground electric line can cause power outages and personal injury from shock or electrocution. These underground facilities are not always located out in the street. So whether you are grading, installing sprinklers, or planting a tree, the Port Hueneme Water and Wastewater Divisions encourages you to call 811 or contact Dig Alert online.

Underground Service Alert (USA) is a free service for homeowners, excavators and professional contractors who are digging, blasting, trenching, drilling, grading, or excavating.

USA is available to take your information either online 24/7 or by phone from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for holidays. All utilities have two business days (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to mark and locate underground lines. When you contact USA, the Port Hueneme Water and Wastewater Divisions and other utilities are notified so they can identify whether they have underground facilities at the excavation site. We will either mark the area and/or you will be notified that the area is clear.

Remember: We only mark water and wastewater lines owned and maintained by the City of Port Hueneme. Telephone, communications, gas and electric underground lines must be located and marked by their respective utilities.

Contacting 811 before you dig can not only prevent a damage claim; it can also save your life.

For more information on Underground Service Alert, visit digalert.org

Here are tips to help you with your planned excavation project:

• Plan the excavation.
• Calls to 811 can be made up to 14 days in advance. Advance notice helps utilities schedule their mark and locate resources.
• Call USA at least 2 working days prior to the start of excavation.
• Determine the limits of your excavation.
• Mark-out your excavation in white paint.

Last updated December 8, 2021