On 8-11 and every other day, a quick call to 811 can prevent serious harm to people and property

National Safe Digging Day is just a week away, and Essential Utilities and its subsidiaries, Aqua Water and Peoples Natural Gas, are urging customers and contractors to put safety first and call 811 before all projects involving digging.

A recent survey from the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) found that nearly half (46%) of Americans plan to dig without contacting 811 ahead of time, putting utility infrastructure and safety of communities at risk. To boost awareness about the 811 service and the importance of safe digging practices, Monday, August 11 (8-11) is National Safe Digging Day. Critical utility infrastructure such as gas and water lines may be out of sight, but they cannot be put out of mind, as damage to lines can disrupt availability and create dangerous situations that may lead to property damage, personal injury, and even death.

Calling 811 before digging is free to homeowners and can prevent injuries, fines and outages in the community. The process is simple:

• Call 811, the national call-before-you-dig hotline, at least three business days before the planned start of excavation;
• Wait for the site to be marked by utility companies, such as Peoples and Aqua, with paint, flags or stakes;
• Dig with care. Respect the markings, use appropriate tools, and if you do damage a pipeline, line markers, locator wire or warning tape, immediately call 911 and notify the appropriate utility.

“As Essential invests more than $500 million annually to upgrade the underground infrastructure serving our 5.5 million customers, we encourage the public to help us protect those pipelines by calling 811 before every project involving digging,” said Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Christopher Franklin. “Excavation damages to pipelines can disrupt service and create serious safety hazards. Please, make this One Call for Zero Regrets: Wherever you live, whatever the project, call 811 before you dig!”

The 811 service is required for all projects involving digging, from smaller jobs such as planting shrubs or installing a mailbox, up to building a swimming pool or installing a fence. Visit Call811.com for more information about your state’s safe digging laws.

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. Learn more at www.essential.co.

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Critical utility infrastructure such as gas and water lines may be out of sight, but they cannot be put out of mind. Damage to lines can disrupt service and create dangerous situations that may lead to property damage and serious personal injury.