A Buried Danger: 10 Million to Dig Blindly This Spring, Risking Disaster

LAS VEGAS, NV – March 31, 2026 – As spring blooms, an estimated 60 million American households are planning outdoor projects that involve digging. Yet, a staggering number—more than 10 million—are poised to break ground without making a simple, free call that could save their lives and protect their communities. This alarming trend comes to light as Southwest Gas and other utilities mark April as National Safe Digging Month, launching a critical campaign to raise awareness about the dangers lurking just inches beneath the soil.

A new national survey, conducted on behalf of the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the trade association dedicated to preventing damage to underground infrastructure, paints a concerning picture. While nearly three in four homeowners are readying their shovels and augers for everything from planting trees to installing new fences, a significant portion will do so blind to the network of utility lines beneath their properties. The primary reason for this gamble is a common misconception: the belief that a project is too shallow to cause any harm. In reality, many gas, water, and communication lines are buried just a few inches below the surface.

The Hidden Dangers in Your Backyard

The consequences of striking an underground utility line range from inconvenient to catastrophic. Hitting a fiber-optic cable can sever internet connection for an entire neighborhood, while severing a water main can lead to flooding and costly property damage. The most severe risks, however, involve natural gas and electric lines. An accidental shovel strike on a gas line can cause leaks that lead to fires or devastating explosions. Contact with a buried electrical cable can result in severe injury or electrocution.

“Pipelines are the safest way to transport energy, and damage prevention is essential to keeping it that way,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has previously stated, underscoring the federal emphasis on the 811 system. The 'Call Before You Dig' process, accessible by dialing 811 or making an online request at call811.com, is a free, simple service. It notifies local utility companies, which then send professional locators to mark the approximate location of underground lines with flags or paint. This process gives homeowners a clear map of what lies beneath, allowing them to dig safely around these critical connections.

Southwest Gas urges anyone who suspects damage to a natural gas line to take immediate action. The telltale signs of a leak include:

• A distinct sulfur-like odor, often compared to rotten eggs.
• An unusual hissing or roaring sound near the ground or an appliance.
• Visible signs like blowing dirt, bubbling water, or patches of discolored vegetation near pipeline infrastructure.

If any of these signs are present, officials advise evacuating the area immediately and then calling 911 and the utility's emergency line from a safe distance.

Infrastructure Under Threat in Growing Communities

The risk of accidental dig-ins is not just a personal one; it poses a significant threat to community-wide infrastructure, especially in rapidly developing regions. In states like Arizona, Nevada, and California—all part of Southwest Gas’s service territory—booming population growth and large-scale construction projects create a high-risk environment. Every new housing development, commercial center, and road expansion involves extensive excavation, increasing the chances of an accidental utility strike.

According to the CGA's Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report, telecommunications lines are consistently among the most frequently damaged facilities. In an age where remote work, online education, and telehealth are vital, a single accidental cut can have far-reaching consequences, disrupting daily life and commerce for thousands.

These incidents place a heavy burden on emergency responders and utility crews, diverting resources that may be needed elsewhere. A major gas leak or water main break requires a coordinated response from fire departments, police, and utility workers, creating public safety challenges and traffic disruptions that can paralyze a community for hours or even days.

The Staggering Economic Cost of a Shovel Strike

Beyond the immediate safety risks and service disruptions, the financial fallout from unsafe digging is immense. The CGA estimates that damages to underground utilities cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars annually. These costs are a complex web of direct and indirect expenses that are ultimately shouldered by the public.

Direct costs include the immediate expense of repairing the damaged pipe, cable, or wire. These repairs can be complex and expensive, often requiring specialized crews and equipment. The individual or contractor responsible for the damage is frequently held liable for these costs, which can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. In many states, digging without contacting 811 first can also result in significant fines.

Indirect costs ripple much further. Businesses that lose power or internet can suffer from lost productivity and revenue. Project timelines are thrown into disarray, leading to costly delays for construction companies. Furthermore, the expenses incurred by utility companies for repairs, emergency response, and lost resources are often factored into operational costs, which can contribute to higher utility rates for all customers over time. The economic principle is simple: prevention is far cheaper than reaction. The few minutes it takes to contact 811 can prevent a cascade of financial consequences that affect the entire community.

A Shared Responsibility for Safety

While public awareness of the 811 service has grown over the years, reaching an all-time high according to CGA surveys, the gap between awareness and action remains a critical challenge. The data shows that even among those who know about the service, a significant number still choose to take a chance.

To bridge this gap, the damage prevention industry is looking toward enhanced technology and best practices. Industry leaders are advocating for the adoption of more accurate GIS-based mapping systems to improve the reliability of locates and the use of electronic white-lining, which allows excavators to digitally mark their intended dig site. These innovations, combined with robust data analysis from reports like the DIRT, help stakeholders understand the root causes of damages and develop more effective prevention strategies.

Ultimately, protecting the vast, invisible network of infrastructure beneath our feet is a shared responsibility. For the millions of Americans planning to dig this spring, the message is clear: a beautiful garden, a new deck, or a simple repair project should never come at the cost of safety. The simple step of contacting 811 before breaking ground is a crucial commitment to protecting oneself, one’s family, and the vital services that every community depends on.