Southwest Gas is seeing an increase in damage to its lines, reminds residents to call before they dig

Southwest Gas has seen an increase in damage to natural gas pipelines over the past couple of weeks because residents in the area are doing digging projects without first calling 811. The nice weather is enticing people to finish those projects before it gets too cold and they may not think about the significance of what can happen if they hit an underground utility line.

The cooler weather in Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe signifies the end of the dig season, and as residents try to finish those last-minute projects, Southwest Gas wants to remind customers of the dangers associated with digging into a utility line without calling 811 first. Customers are encouraged to know what’s below – call 811 at least two working days before you dig. Most people are unaware that natural gas, electricity, communications, water, and other types of utility lines that communities rely on run through corridors directly underneath them, oftentimes just a few inches below ground.

Digging without first having underground utility-owned lines properly marked, no matter the size of the project, can cause an interruption of service to customers. More importantly, not having lines marked poses

an extreme safety risk to the person digging. Southwest Gas reminds the public that a natural gas leak can be detected by a distinct sulfur-like odor, like rotten eggs, even if it’s faint or momentary. Unusual hissing or
roaring coming from the ground or an above-ground pipeline, bubbling water, and discolored plants or grass surrounding a pipeline can also be signs of a leak. If any of these signs are detected, you’re asked to leave the
area immediately and call 911 and Southwest Gas at 877-860-6020, even if you’re not a natural gas customer.

Contact 811 at least two full working days prior to digging and the utility companies will come to the site to locate and mark the underground lines, pipes and cables at or near, a planned dig site.