Latest Law Changes

Effective July 27, 2025

Significant changes to Washington's dig law (RCW 19.122) were enacted that impact utilities and anyone involved in excavation, including homeowners. These updates aim to enhance safe excavation practices and reduce the risk of damage to underground utilities. The amendments, part of a bill passed unanimously by the state Legislature and signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, introduce several key changes: expanded enforcement authority for the UTC Pipeline Safety program, higher penalties for pipeline damages, clearer requirements for utilities and excavators, and new rules around design locating and positive response requirements for excavation. For a full overview of the law and its implications, follow the link below.

APWA Color Code

The American Public Works Administration (APWA®) is a non-profit organization of companies, public works agencies, and individuals who created the Uniform Color Code – the universal marking guideline that should be used by all professional underground utility locating companies. It provides unanimous understanding of the marking of underground utilities for both construction and engineering projects. It helps to prevent accidents and damage to subsurface utilities by contractors, excavators, and anyone else digging around underground utilities.

For more detailed information about what the marks mean, take a look at the CGA’s Guidelines for Operator Facility Field Delineation.

SELECT A COLOR