August 11 (or 8/11) is Safe Digging Day, and Essential Utilities urges all homeowners and contractors to call 811 before beginning any digging project, no matter how small. It is best practice to contact 811 at least three business days ahead of digging, and in many states, it's the law.

Calling 811 before digging is free to homeowners and can prevent injuries, fines and outages in the community. The process is simple:

• Call 8-1-1, the national call-before-you-dig phone number, at least three business days before the planned start of digging;
• Wait for the site to be marked by Aqua or Peoples and other utility companies with paint, flags or stakes;
• Respect the markings during the project; and
• Dig with care. If you damage a pipeline, line markers, locator wire or warning tape, immediately notify the appropriate utility.

“At Essential, safety is our number one priority,” said Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Christopher Franklin. “Even on seemingly small projects, you run the risk of striking an underground utility line, which can cause service disruptions to your home and neighborhood. Safe Digging Day is a natural reminder to know what's below and call 811.”

Every six minutes, an underground utility line is damaged due to digging and excavation. This free call is required for all projects, big or small, such as planting shrubs, installing a mailbox, building a swimming pool or installing a fence.

Essential Utilities urges everyone to get the 811 on Safe Digging. Visit call811.com for more information about your state’s safe digging laws.

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across nine states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. Learn more at www.essential.co.

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