Why are there flags and paint marks in my yard?


Utility companies (or their contract locators) mark their underground facilities with paint or flags to prevent accidental damage during excavation or construction activities. These markers identify the locations of buried utilities such as gas, water, electric, and telecommunications lines. By clearly indicating where these utilities are located, companies help ensure safety, avoid service disruptions, and prevent costly repairs that can occur if these facilities are inadvertently damaged.


You can use our Ticket Search to look for locate requests (tickets) placed in your area. The locate request may have been placed by a neighbor, utility company, or a hired excavator.


It’s crucial to preserve and maintain the location of flags and paint. Obscured or displaced markings may lead to accidental damage.

Some common reasons there are utility markings in your yard: 


Utility Work

Mailbox Installation

Landscaping

Pest Control

Tree and Stump Work

Sprinkler System Installation

Fence Installation

Swimming Pool Installation

Flag Pole Installation

Basketball Goal Installation

Driveway Work

Ditch Work

What do the colors mean?


The uniform color code is used for marking excavation sites and underground facilities in conflict with an excavation. 

Underground facilities may be marked on the ground in either paint, stakes, or flags.

White

Proposed Excavation

Pink

Temporary Survey Markings

Red

Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit, and Lighting Cables

Yellow

Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum, or Gaseous Materials

Orange

Communications, Alarm, or Signal Lines, Cables, or Conduit

Blue

Potable Water

Purple

Reclaimed Water, Irrigation, and Slurry Lines

Green

Sewers and Drain Lines

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