Help! There are colored flags and/or paint markings in my yard-what do they mean?
Did you come home from work one day and notice little yellow flags or colored paint in your yard? No.. it's not just some kids goofing around and pranking you. This is a sure sign that a construction project is about to begin in your area. These markers identify which utilities are located underground. Each flag or paint mark represents a specific utility type depending on which color it is. The four most common colors you will often see are:
- Yellow - Gas Lines
- Red - Electric Lines
- Orange - Communication lines (think your internet, phone, or television)
- Blue – Potable Water lines.
When a construction project is about to take place, utility companies will have their lines located and marked to prevent them from being damaged. Once the project is complete and records have been updated, these flags will be removed. If you see white markings on the ground, that is the intended work or “excavation” area. Most often, these markings will follow the public or private easement for the facilities.
It’s amazing what lies underground, isn’t it? That’s what makes underground construction so unique and specialized. You can’t see what you are doing so extreme caution and care must always be used!
