The term “utility” refers to the services provided by public utility companies, including electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, and telephone lines.
“Underground utilities” refers to subterranean infrastructure like pipes and cables that transport water, gas, telecommunications, and electricity to households and businesses. There are nearly two million miles of underground utilities in the United States, which equates to over one hundred years of underground line per person in the entire country.
Whenever digging into the ground, it’s imperative to locate underground utility lines on the site before penetrating the surface. Identifying and marking underground public utility lines is known as “utility location.” While privately owned lines are generally the responsibility of the landowner (this may include natural gas lines, private sewer laterals, sprinkler systems as well as electricity and telecom lines), underground utilities are usually the responsibility of public utility companies and homeowner. Utility companies will send a technician to visit the property and mark the location of all underground utility lines. This process free of charge in most municipalities. Contact your local utility providers to request underground location services..