Utility locate marks are more than just paint. They’re a critical part of Colorado’s infrastructure safety system. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping your property and our community safe. Denver Water does not remove expired markings, as they will fade naturally over time.
Utility locate marks are temporary markings made with colored spray paint that fades over time, or flags that identify the location of underground utilities, such as water, sewer, gas, electric and telecommunications lines. By law, utilities place these marks in response to a locate request submitted through Colorado 811, which is required before any excavation begins.
Each color corresponds to a specific type of utility:
- Red – Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables.
- Yellow – Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or other gaseous materials.
- Orange – Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit (e.g., telephone, internet).
- Blue – Potable water.
- Green – Sewer and drain lines.
- Purple – Recycled water, irrigation and slurry lines.
- Pink – Temporary survey markings.
- White – Proposed excavation sites.
These markings are part of a statewide safety system designed to:
- Prevent accidental damage to underground infrastructure.
- Protect public health and safety.
- Avoid costly service disruptions.
- Ensure compliance with Colorado’s One Call Law.
Removing or altering locate marks may:
- Violate state law.
- Create unsafe digging conditions.
- Lead to utility line damage , environmental hazards or personal injury.
- Result in fines or legal liability for property owners or contractors.
Locate marks are valid for 30 calendar days from the date they are placed. During this time, they must remain visible and intact to guide safe excavation.
- Age of the marks: Marks are valid for 30 calendar days. If they are older than that and no new locate request has been submitted, they may be considered expired.
- Ticket status: You can check the status of a locate ticket by contacting Colorado 811.
- New requests: If a new locate request has been submitted for the same area, the marks must remain until the new ticket expires.
If you’re unsure, always contact Colorado 811 at colorado811.org or dial 811 for guidance.
If excavation resumes or a new locate request is submitted after you’ve removed expired marks, new markings will be placed. However, it is important to note that markings are valid for 30 days. Removing active markings could result in violating Colorado’s One Call Law. It’s also important to allow utility crews to re-mark the area and to avoid interfering with the new marks.
For questions about locate marks, ticket status, or removal guidelines, contact Colorado 811: colorado811.org or dial 811.
Utility locate responsibilities differ depending on whether the area is public right of way or private property.
- Public right-of-way includes streets, sidewalks, alleys and utility easements typically maintained by municipalities or counties. By law, utilities place these marks in response to a locate request submitted through Colorado 811, which is required before any excavation begins.
- Private property includes areas owned by individuals or businesses, such as yards, driveways and private land. Utility lines on private property, especially those beyond the meter or service connection, may not be marked by public utility locators. Property owners are responsible for locating private utilities, often by hiring a private locating service.
Before attempting to remove any locate marks, it's important to determine whether the marks are in public or private areas, and whether they are still tied to an active locate ticket.