Dig Smart, Stay Safe: Arizona Celebrates Safe Digging Month this April
Category: Arizona
April 1, 2025
Southwest Gas Shares New Data Revealing an Increase of Contacting 811 anda Reduction of Digging Damages as Statewide Growth Continues
Safe Digging in action B-roll available for media use here.
PHOENIX—Governor Katie Hobbs has declared April “Safe Digging Month” in Arizona. This timely reminder for Arizonans to call 811 before starting any digging project underscores the importance of protecting the safety of all Arizonans and preventing unnecessary and costly damage to utility infrastructure.
Governor Hobbs’ declaration comes at a time when Arizona is experiencing significant growth, driven by its many attractive qualities and robust economic development efforts. With this growth comes increased construction activity, which in turn raises the potential for incidents involving buried underground utilities, such as natural gas pipelines. In 2024, there was a ten percent increase in calls to 811 throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory. Southwest Gas is proud to report a seven percent reduction in damage incidents last year compared to 2023, highlighting that a simple step, calling 811, can make a big impact on protecting people and infrastructure.
Southwest Gas thanks Governor Hobbs for her commitment to safety and for helping urge Arizonans to call 811 before any digging project.
Remember: Call 811 Before You Dig
During Safe Digging Month and year-round, Southwest Gas reminds the public that knowing what lies beneath the surface is essential, whether planting a tree, installing an irrigation system, or breaking ground on a major construction project. One simple call to 811 or an online request at call811.com at least two days before the start of a digging project will start the process of having underground utility lines marked with paint or color-coded flags, helping to prevent costly and potentially dangerous accidents. Not only is it important- it’s the law.
The service is free, easy, and essential to protecting underground utility lines that may be buried just inches below the ground. Strikes to buried utility lines can cause serious risks and service disruptions, so this proactive measure is critical to keeping communities safe.
Recognizing and Responding to a Natural Gas Leak
Southwest Gas urges anyone who suspects damage to a natural gas line or detects signs of a natural gas leak—whether or not they are a natural gas customer—to evacuate immediately and call 911 and Southwest Gas at
877-860-6020
. Signs of a natural gas leak include:
- A distinct sulfur-like odor, similar to rotten eggs
- An unusual hissing or roaring sound near the ground or an appliance
- Blowing dirt, bubbling water, or discolored vegetation near pipeline markers or infrastructure
For more information on safe digging practices, visit www.swgas.com/dig-safe. For additional natural gas safety tips, visit www.swgas.com/safety.
About Southwest Gas
Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe and reliable service while innovating sustainable energy solutions to fuel our communities’ growth. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit swgas.com.
Media Contact:
Amy Washburn
