Recent news from Iowa One Call shows that when it comes to underground utilities, skipping the basics can come with a heavy price tag. They recently handed out $50,000 fines to utilities that failed to properly locate lines before starting work, a reminder that even a little negligence can lead to major consequences.

When underground utility locating is done right, it’s about much more than meeting legal requirements; it’s about protecting fragile infrastructure, preventing costly delays, and keeping everyone on the job safe. Modern locating systems like Utilocate bring clear and accessible documentation to every excavation site, making it easier to ensure that workers know exactly where the risks lie—and hopefully keeping costly surprises to a minimum.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes in utility projects is jumping into excavation without calling for locates first. Think of it like going on a road trip without checking the GPS—only in this case, taking a wrong turn could mean hitting a high-voltage line or a gas pipe. Beyond the risk of injury, these accidents can cause major project setbacks, expensive repairs, and sometimes a hard conversation with the insurance company.

Accurate utility mapping is also key to keeping a project on schedule. Resources like as-built plans are useful, but they’re not always perfect. Relying solely on these plans sometimes leads to surprise encounters with unexpected underground lines, throwing a wrench into timelines and budgets. Professional locating services help fill in these gaps, reducing the chances of these unwelcome discoveries and ensuring that teams have the most accurate data available.

Ignoring regulatory requirements is another major risk - and municipalities don’t take it lightly. Failing to follow digging guidelines can lead to hefty fines and penalties, not to mention serious safety hazards. When underground infrastructure gets damaged, contractors can face both financial liability and legal trouble that can disrupt more than just the project timeline.

Hiring a professional utility locating service brings an extra layer of protection to any excavation project. These services are staffed by highly trained locators who use advanced equipment to accurately identify underground risks and ensure compliance with local regulations. A skilled utility locator is like having an experienced guide for even the trickiest underground terrain, helping teams avoid costly accidents, project delays, and unnecessary headaches.

The forest for the trees

It’s easy to miss the forest for the trees when we’re wrapped up in the demands of each project, but taking a long-term view on underground utility data can change the landscape of our industry for the better. The more comprehensive the data we gather now - from precise locations and condition reports to even the metadata in photos taken on-site - the stronger foundation we have for the future. This core of data will enable advanced risk analysis models, turning what we know about individual utility lines into a big-picture understanding of network-wide risks and patterns. Every data point matters: by capturing details from every dig, survey, and inspection, we create a richer, more reliable map of the infrastructure below. In the long run, that investment doesn’t just streamline operations - it makes our industry safer, more proactive, and better equipped to handle whatever lies beneath. One of thePlanet Underground roundtable at the CGA Fall Meetings touched on this very thing - it's worth a watch.

Conclusion

In short, cutting corners on utility locating isn’t just risky - it’s expensive. From the safety of workers to the protection of underground infrastructure, effective planning and compliance with safety protocols are essential. With reliable data from systems like Utilocate , projects can run more smoothly, stay on budget, and, most importantly, keep everyone safe from preventable mishaps.