Colorado Natural Gas Marks 811 Day with Safe Digging Reminder

Colorado data reinforces the importance of making 811 the first step in every digging project

8/11/2026

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (Aug. 11, 2026) – Each year on Aug. 11, 811 Day serves as a reminder to homeowners and contractors to contact 811 before beginning any digging project. Colorado Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Summit Utilities, is marking the day by encouraging customers to make damage prevention their first step before breaking ground, especially as Colorado sees more digging activity with fewer reported damages related to digging without first contacting 811.

The free service notifies participating utilities, which then mark the approximate location of underground lines. Waiting for those markings and digging carefully can help prevent injuries, utility service interruptions, and costly repairs.

“811 Day is an important reminder that safe digging starts before a project begins,” said Richard Leger, senior vice president of operations at Summit Utilities. “More excavation work is taking place, and damages are decreasing, showing the value of contacting 811 and waiting for lines to be marked. Taking these steps helps protect our neighbors, our team members, our property, and essential utility service.”

Recent Colorado data show both the progress being made and the work still ahead. Through June 2026, excavation ticket volume across the Colorado Natural Gas service territory increased 18% compared with the same period last year, while excavation damages declined 14%. Even so, half of the excavation damages occurred without a notification to 811, reinforcing the importance of making 811 the first step before every digging project.

Many homeowners don't think of themselves as excavators, but projects like planting a tree, installing a fence, replacing a mailbox, building a deck, or landscaping all involve digging. Because there is no standard depth for underground utility lines, it's impossible for you to know what's below the surface. That's why Colorado Natural Gas encourages customers to contact 811 before every digging project, regardless of its size.

Contacting 811 before digging helps reduce the risk of damaging underground natural gas lines, which can affect safety, disrupt service, and result in costly repairs. If you believe a natural gas line is damaged or disturbed, leave the area and contact 911 and Colorado Natural Gas from a safe location. For more information about safe digging at Colorado Natural Gas, visit coloradonaturalgas.com/safety.