Spring has sprung! Plans for home improvements, new construction and garden projects are at the top of many to do lists. Whether adding a new swimming pool, fencing or planting a tree, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) advises homeowners and contractors to dial 811 before digging. Calling this simple three-digit number begins the easy process of getting underground utility lines marked to prevent potential hazards. To eliminate the confusion of multiple "Call Before You Dig" numbers, the CGA has created 811, a national phone service. The national number will officially launch to the public May 1.

"Knowing where utility lines are buried helps protect those who dig from injury, expenses and penalties," says CGA President Bob Kipp. "One easy phone call to 811 will get the approximate location of underground utility lines marked for free."

Calls made to 811 will be directed to a local call center. The center will notify the appropriate utility to send crews to the reported site and mark the approximate location of underground lines. Having appropriate utilities mark areas where underground lines are present before digging not only is a smart choice, but is required by Georgia law.

The CGA estimated 680,000 utility lines were hit while digging in 2004, resulting in damages including service outages and injury, many of which could have been prevented by calling ahead to have underground lines marked. A recent national survey shows approximately 50 percent of Americans are "active diggers." Yet one-third have never called or will call to get their utility lines marked.