811 and private utility locating are two different services that serve similar purposes, but they have some key differences.
811 is a national call center that property owners and contractors can call to request that underground utilities be marked before digging. When a call is made to 811, the call center contacts the appropriate utility companies, and within a few days, the utilities are marked on the property using color-coded flags or spray paint. 811 is a free service provided by the federal government, and it is available in every state in the US, including Colorado.
Private utility locating, on the other hand, is a service provided by private companies like Colorado Locates. Private utility locating involves the use of specialized equipment and trained professionals to identify the location of underground utilities on a property. These companies can provide more detailed information about the location of underground utilities, including the depth and type of utility. Private utility locating can be especially helpful for complex projects, where multiple utilities are present or where the accuracy of the information is critical.
While 811 is a great resource for property owners and contractors to request that utilities be marked, it is not always enough. 811 can only provide basic information about the location of utilities, and in some cases, the information provided may not be accurate or up to date. Private utility locating can provide more detailed information and can help ensure that property owners and contractors are aware of all the utilities present on the property and their exact location.
In summary, 811 is a national call center that property owners and contractors can call to have underground utilities marked before digging. Private utility locating is a service provided by private companies like Colorado Locates that use specialized equipment and trained professionals to identify the location of underground utilities with greater accuracy and detail. While both services serve a similar purpose, private utility locating can provide more detailed information and can be especially helpful for complex projects.