The first step of your project should be to call Iowa One Call at 1.800.292.8989, or call 811; or go the website Iowa One Call and fill required information online. When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to the local one call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig.
Second step is done on utility side, when professional locators are sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both. Marking flag's color indicates the type of buried utilities and approximate location.
After that, it is up to the home/business owner what the next step is. Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines, and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811.