Be Safe, Not Sorry! Contact Virginia 811

A shovel in the dirt, ready to start digging.

Virginia 811? It's the new name for Miss Utility. But all the same details apply!

  • ALWAYS contact 811 before you dig ... it is the LAW! To enter a ticket or to check on an existing one, dial "811" ...  or you by clicking the shovel icon on the left side of this page. If you want to read more, download "The 811 Process" as a PDF or go online to va811.com.
  • Allow required time for marking. Call Virginia 811 two business days in advance ... not including weekends and holidays. Hours: weekdays 7 am - 5 pm
  • Excavate carefully. Hitting a live power line is life threatening to you and to your contractor. Plus, you will be held responsible for damages if you do not dial 811 prior to breaking ground.
  • Respect and protect the marks. Wonder what they mean? See the chart below.
  • Hired a contractor? It is technically the contractor's responsibility to call VA811, but be insistent to have it done. The homeowner will be held responsible for damage, besides being inconvenienced and endangered if a utility line is hit.

View the 811 process for homeowners here.

The VA 811 logo.

What do the markings mean?

Many people call us wondering why grass near their home is marked or what the markings mean.

Utility color codes are used to identify existing underground utilities in construction areas with the intent of protecting them from damage during excavation. This is done through flags or a special spray paint, neither of which will cause long-term harm to your lawn.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color Codes for temporary marking of underground utilities are listed below:

The American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color Codes graph.