If your district is involved in excavation work or manages underground utilities, we have an important reminder for you. Oregon law requires everyone — whether a contractor, homeowner, or district — to contact 811 (by website, phone or app) at least two business days but not more than ten days before digging. This simple step helps prevent dangerous and costly damage to underground utilities. 

Here's how it works: 

• Contact 811 before you dig, no matter where you're working: public rights of way, private property, or anywhere else. 

• Once the call is made, the Notification Center notifies all affected underground utility operators, who then have two business days to mark their facilities with color-coded paint. 

This process is well known to a lot of districts, but unfortunately, damages still happen. That's why the Oregon Utility Notification Center (OUNC) is working hard to reduce these incidents and improve public safety. 

As a special district, you play a key role in shaping these practices. Your representation on the OUNC board helps guide policy changes that can improve safety and efficiency across the state. If your district excavates or operates underground facilities, we encourage you to stay informed about upcoming changes and share your thoughts. 

To ensure you're up to date on the latest requirements, resources, and updates for 2025, visit Dig Safely Oregon today. For any questions or to get involved, reach out to Andy Crocker at acrocker@rwpud.org. As your representative for special districts on the Oregon Utility Notification Center Board of Directors, he wants to ensure that membership voices are heard and that he can effectively represent your interests when it comes to important issues related to excavation and underground utilities. 

Let's work together to prevent accidents, protect underground utilities, and keep our communities safe!