Call 811 Before You Dig in South Dakota
– By #Midstate Communications Team
Do you need to call 811 before digging in South Dakota?
Yes. In South Dakota, you are required to call 811 at least two business days before digging so underground utility lines can be located and marked. This free service helps prevent damage to fiber optic, electric, water, and gas lines—and keeps you and your neighbors safe.
What is 811 and how does it work?
811 is a nationwide service that helps locate underground utilities before digging. When you call or submit a request online, professionals come out to your property and mark the location of underground lines using flags or paint.
Each color represents a different utility:
- Orange – Telecommunications (like fiber internet lines)
- Red – Electric power lines
- Blue – Water lines
- Yellow – Gas lines
These markings show you where it’s safe to dig—and where it’s not.
Why is calling 811 so important?
Digging without knowing what’s below the surface can lead to serious problems. Even small projects like planting a tree or installing a fence can hit buried lines.
Calling 811 helps:
- Prevent service outages in your home and neighborhood
- Avoid costly repairs
- Protect you from injury or dangerous situations
Hitting a fiber line, for example, could knock out internet service for multiple homes and businesses. Underground utility lines can be shallow, making even small digging projects a risk without proper marking.
How far in advance should you call 811?
You should contact 811 at least two business days before digging. This gives utility crews enough time to locate and mark lines on your property.
Planning ahead is key—especially during the busy spring and summer construction season.
What happens if you don’t call 811?
Skipping this step can result in:
- Expensive repair bills
- Service interruptions for you and others
- Potential fines
- Serious safety risks
Damage to fiber optic lines can disrupt internet service for entire neighborhoods. It’s a quick, free call that can save a lot of time, money, and trouble.
Does this apply to small projects too?
Yes. You should call 811 for any digging project, no matter how small.
You should call 811 before:
- Planting trees or shrubs
- Installing a mailbox or fence
- Building a deck
- Putting in a sprinkler system
Utility lines can be buried closer to the surface than you might expect.
A quick reminder from Midstate Communications
At Midstate Communications, we take pride in delivering reliable fiber internet to our communities. Calling 811 before you dig helps protect the infrastructure that keeps your home connected.
If you’re planning a project this year, take a minute to make the call before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions About 811
Is calling 811 free?
Yes, 811 is a completely free service for homeowners and contractors.
How deep are utility lines buried?
Depth can vary, and some lines may be closer to the surface than expected. That’s why calling 811 is always recommended.
How are lines marked?
Utility crews use color-coded flags or paint to show where underground lines are located.
Do I need to call 811 every time I dig?
Yes. Each project requires a new request to ensure markings are accurate and up to date.
The Bottom Line
Calling 811 before you dig isn’t just a good idea—it’s the smart (and required) way to protect your property, your safety, and your services.
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