What are those colored lines I see painted on the sidewalk or on the roadway?
Those markings note the location of buried utility lines. When someone plans to dig or excavate an area, they are required by law to contact Pennsylvania One Call (by dialing 8-1-1 or 1-800-242-1776) first so that utilities can mark the location of their lines before they start to dig.
Each color represents a different utility as follows:
Red = electric power lines, cables conduit and lighting cables
Yellow = gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials
Orange = communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
Blue = potable water
Purple = reclaimed water, irrigation or slurry lines
Green = sewers and drain lines
It is important that these marks remain visible and unaltered until all excavation in the area has been completed. Removing, moving or otherwise tampering with marks for underground utility lines can cause interruption of service to you and your neighbors and may result in costly repairs that could increase your monthly utility bills. It can also result in injury or even death to those in the immediate vicinity.
Tampering with these underground facility marks, even those on private property, is a violation of the Pennsylvania Utility Line Protection Act 287, as amended. Conviction can result in a fine of up to $50,000, or imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both, not to speak of any civil liabilities in the matter. If you witness or suspect that someone has tampered with underground facility marks, please immediately notify Pennsylvania One Call by dialing 8-1-1 or 1-800-242-1776.
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