BATESVILLE, IN — The Batesville Water & Gas Utility is reminding residents about the importance of protecting underground infrastructure during the observance of Indiana Safe Digging Month in April.
When planning outdoor work that requires digging such as planting a tree, putting in a new children’s playset, or excavating for construction, call 811 or visit 811Now.com before you dig.
Indiana 811 will then notify the affected underground facility owners of your intent to dig so these affected utilities can dispatch locators to mark the approximate location of their lines with paint, flags, or both.
Anyone planning to dig should follow the five important steps for getting utilities marked – plan the project, contact Indiana 811, wait for the marks, confirm the marks, and finally, dig with care.
“Installing a mailbox, building a deck, and planting a tree are all examples of digging projects that should only begin after you have waited at least two full working days after contacting 811, and confirmed that all facility owners in your area have either marked their lines or declared the area clear of any lines,” said Batesville Gas Manager Scott Bauer.
“Unintentionally striking a line can result in inconvenient outages for entire neighborhoods, harm to yourself, neighbors, and costly repairs,” Bauer added.
Learn more about safe digging practices by calling 811 or the Water & Gas Utility at (812) 934-3811.
The Batesville Water & Gas Utility provides water to the Batesville area and natural gas service to the Batesville, Morris, and Oldenburg areas.
The utility is owned by the City of Batesville and operated by the Utility Service Board.
(Batesville Water & Gas press release)
