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Before You Dig

If you are starting a project or home repair that might require any digging, call Iowa One Call  at 1 (800) 292-8989 or just dial 811.  Iowa One Call is a free service that comes out and notifies you if there are any utilities in the area in which you will be digging and will notify Des Moines Water Works and other utilities of your locate request. 

Des Moines Water Works will respond to your request in one of three ways:

  1. Locate our underground facilities in your proposed dig area. Water lines are marked in blue paint or blue flags. Private water service lines are not typically located as part of the Iowa One Call process.
  2. Mark the dig area as clear/okay to dig.
  3. Contact you by phone to advise you we have no underground utilities in your proposed dig area.

If you have already dug and have damaged underground water facilities, call Des Moines Water Works immediately at (515) 283-8772.  Our dispatch center is available 24-hours a day to assist you. You can also contact Iowa One Call and they will notify us.

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