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 with either 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:
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Red | Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables |
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Orange | Communication, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit |
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Yellow | Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Material |
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Green | Sewers and Drain Lines |
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Blue | Potable Water |
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Purple | Reclaimed Water, Irrigation, and Slurry Lines |
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White | Proposed Excavation |
My lawn is marked and I didn’t contact Virginia 811. Why?
Utility operators maintain the underground pipes and wires that serve your home. Part of their maintenance program is to mark their lines whenever someone places a “Locate Request” or “ticket” with the Virginia 811 center.
Utility operators mark any underground line that is directly in the way of excavation, or even near it. If your lawn is marked and you didn’t know about it, then either your neighbors are planning some work, a utility operator is planning maintenance or repair, or the Virginia Department of Transportation, or your Town, City, or County is planning excavation work. Use our Ticket Search link below to see what work is planned.
For GPS-enabled devices, use our Location Enhanced Ticket Search (LETS) application to view tickets in your area.