The City of Summerville is reminding residents and contractors about the importance of contacting Georgia 811 before beginning any digging or excavation project to help prevent damage to underground utility lines.

The city’s public notice encourages property owners to have underground utilities located and marked before starting work, whether the project involves installing a fence, planting trees, building a deck, or digging trenches.

Underground utility lines can include natural gas, electricity, water, sewer, and telecommunications services. Accidentally striking one of these lines can result in serious injuries, expensive repairs, and interruptions to essential services.

Under Georgia law, anyone planning to excavate must generally contact Georgia 811 at least three business days before beginning work, excluding weekends and legal holidays.

The service is free, and utility companies are notified so their underground facilities can be marked before digging begins.

Residents can request utility markings by dialing 811 or visiting www.Georgia811.com.

Officials emphasize that even relatively small projects on private property can pose risks because underground lines may be located closer to the surface than expected.

Property owners should also be aware that Georgia 811 markings generally cover utilities maintained by participating utility operators. Privately installed lines, such as those serving outdoor lighting or other equipment beyond a utility company’s responsibility, may require a private utility locator.

The City of Summerville encourages residents to plan ahead, allow time for underground utilities to be marked, and follow safe digging practices to protect themselves, their neighbors, and public infrastructure.