Utility Flags and What the Colors Mean

22 Sep.,2022

 

irrigation flags

 

Utility companies use temporary colored flags to designate where underground utilities are located. The purpose is to avoid accidents and disruption in services when anyone is working on or close to buried utilities. The flags are placed by utility companies by request when work is being planned in any particular area.

 

The American Public Works Association, non-profit professional association, created a uniform color code for utility companies, both public and private. The colors have become the standard across the industries.

 

The meanings assigned to flag colors include the following:

 

     Blue: Potable, or drinkable, water

     Green: Sewers and drain lines

     Orange: Communication, alarm or signal lines, and cables or conduit

     Pink: Temporary survey markings

     Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines

     Red: Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lightning cables

     White: Proposed excavation

     Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, and petroleum and gaseous materials

 

The name, initials, or the logo of the company that owns or services the lines may be imprinted on the flags. Once flags have been placed, paint or chalk is used to mark the ground to indicate the route of the buried facilities.

 

When an excavation is being planned, it is normal for businesses to contact utilities so that buried facilities can be located and identified. Homeowners and occupants are also required to notify utilities before excavating their property by calling 811. That number is a federally designated “call before you dig” number for use by professionals and homeowners.

 

Flagpoles Etc.

 

We are a family-owned business that has spent over 25 years in our chosen trade. All of our products are made in America. Please feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have regarding flags, flagpoles, and flag and flagpole accessories. Visit our Website to purchase yours today!

 

To keep up-to-date with our latest news and informative blog posts, Like us on Facebook, and  Follow us on Twitter (@FlagPoleEtc) and Google Plus