On this 11th day of August, Alliant Energy reminds customers and residents of Iowa to call 811, before any digging on project. It’s important for everyone, from homeowners to professional contractors, to call before you dig all year. Officials hope this date, 8/11, will be a good reminder.

Richard Sublett, Senior Manager of Compliance & Operational Performance for Alliant Energy says “Nationally, failure to call before digging results in more than 60,000 unintentional hits of underground utility lines annually. Not only is calling a good idea, it’s the law.”

When you call 811, your state’s One Call center notifies utility companies of the project. Homeowners and contractors should call at least three business days before digging. Professional locators will mark the approximate locations of underground lines for free.

Officials say you should “Dig with CARE,” by:

C – Calling 811 before you dig
A – Allowing two business days for marks to be made
R – Respecting the marks; hand dig within 18 inches
E – Excavating carefully

For additional information, visit alliantenergy.com/call811 or call 811.