What exactly is 811?
811 is a FCC-designated national N-11 number for homeowners and professional excavators to call before digging.  811 calls will be directed to the local One-Call Center and the affected utilities, who will then mark underground lines for free.

Why is a national 811 number necessary?
Those who dig are aware of "Call Before You Dig" services, but often make risky assumptions about where utility line are buried or when they should call.  In fact, a recent national survey showed that only 33% of homeowner do-it-yourselfers called to have their lines marked before starting digging projects.  Simple digging jobs can damage utility lines, which can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm diggers, and potentially result in fines and repair costs. 

Excavators nationwide now only need to remember one number, 811, to reach their local one-call center. 

Don't "Call Before You Dig" numbers already exist?
There are multiple "Call Before You Dig" numbers established by the existing 62 One-Call Centers.  The national 811 number will eliminate the confusion of multiple numbers while continuing free and easy local service.