All underground utilities (power, gas, communications, and water) that are not owned by the public utility company are considered to be “private” lines and are the responsibility of the landowner. So, in this case, the landowner would be responsible for contacting a private underground utility locator to mark the power lines that run to a backyard pool or garage.

Some possible private utility lines may include:

• Any underground pipes connecting a swimming pool to a pump/filter
• An in-ground sprinkler system
• Electricity to outdoor lighting installed on the property away from the house
• A detached garage with electricity
• A shed or storage building with electricity

If your property has one or more of these facilities, you should first call Missouri 811 and then a private locating company. This will ensure that you prevent serious damage to utilities and possible injuries to people on the job site. Remember, lines are buried everywhere, and some are only buried an inch or two below the surface. A job as small as planting a tree or installing a mailbox or fence can damage underground facilities. So, if you plan to dig, be aware of the public and private lines during every project whether big or small.

Submitting a public utility locate request followed by a private locate request is the best way to keep yourself and the underground facilities safe from the hidden dangers in your work area.