California American Water Reminds Customers to "Call 8-1-1 Before You Dig"

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On August 11, or 8/11, California American Water reminds customers to call 8-1-1 prior to digging projects to have any underground utility lines marked. The 8-1-1 phone number, used in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, provides homeowners with a free service that identifies and marks underground utilities to avoid accidental outages and the disruption of critical services.

When Northern California customers call 8-1-1, they will be connected to Underground Service Alert: North. Southern California customers dialing 8-1-1 will be connected to Underground Service Alert for Southern California. Homeowners and contractors should call 8-1-1 two to 14 days before digging to notify the appropriate utility companies of their plans to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.

“The August 11 date presents a special opportunity to remind customers and contractors to call before you dig and eliminate the risk of striking an underground utility line,” said Richard Svindland, vice president of operations for California American Water.

Svindland said striking a single line can lead to injuries, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree and laying a patio are examples of digging projects that should prompt an 8-1-1 call. Visit the Underground Service Alert website for more information about safe digging practices.

Underground Service Alert: North: www.usanorth.org
Underground Service Alert for Southern California: www.digalert.org

“It’s a free call and free service – a great value to ensure public safety,” Svindland said.

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high quality and reliable water and/or wastewater service to approximately 600,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diversified publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.