Clarksville Digs In: Local Utilities Champion Safety First as Spring Projects Begin

As the spring sun thaws the ground across Montgomery County, the Clarksville Gas and Water Department (CGW) is launching a crucial safety reminder for every homeowner and contractor gearing up for outdoor projects. April marks National Safe Digging Month, and the local message is clear: always call 811 before you dig.

“We see a significant increase in excavation work this time of year, from planting trees to building fences and decks,” said a CGW spokesperson. “A single shovel strike on an underground utility line can cause serious injury, service disruptions for entire neighborhoods, and costly repairs. It’s a risk no one should take.”

The 811 service is a free, nationwide number that connects callers with Tennessee 811, the state’s one-call notification center. Once contacted, utility companies will dispatch locators to clearly mark the approximate location of buried public water, gas, electric, and communication lines with paint or flags. This simple, no-cost step is required by law and provides a vital visual guide for safe excavation.

CGW emphasizes that this practice isn’t just for large contractors. It is essential for any digging project, no matter how small. “Whether you’re a homeowner installing a new mailbox post on Madison Street or a professional crew breaking ground for a new development in Sango, the rule is the same,” the spokesperson added. “Make the call, wait the required time for marks, and then dig carefully around them.”

Protecting Clarksville’s underground infrastructure ensures community safety and reliability. By championing the 811 call, CGW aims to keep essential services flowing and prevent the all-too-common springtime accidents that can darken homes, sever communications, and endanger lives right here in our city.