What's the difference between
Private and Public Utilities?

Many people believe that public utilities owners are responsible for marking all the way up to the house or property. This is a common misconception that can lead to dangerous outcomes.

Understanding the difference between public and private utilities can be tricky. Here are some real-life examples.

We’re here to help you determine what steps to take if you think there is a private utility in your dig area.

What is a Public Utility?

A public utility is owned by a company or organization that provides essential services.

Public utilities typically include:

Electricity
Water
Gas, oil, Steam
Communications/TV/Internet
Sewer

The public utility companies are responsible for maintaining their underground facilities. Part of that responsibility includes registering the utilities with 811 and locating in the public right-of-way, and easement to include private property.

What is a Private Utility?

A private utility is owned and maintained by the property owner. Private utilities are not registered with 811. It is the excavator’s or property owners’ responsibility to have these utilities located at their own expense.

Private utilities include:

Sprinkler or irrigation systems
Electric running to a detached garage or shop
Lines connected to a propane tank or septic system
Gas lines under for grills and outdoor fire pits
Electric dog fence

Not so obvious examples of private utilities:

Water – Customer owns water line from the meter, property line, or stop box to the building.
Sewer – Customer owns sewer laterals from the tap at the sewer main into the structure, or from the property line into the home depending upon the region.
Gas – Customer owns all gas pipes after the meter.
Electric – Customer owns all electric wires after the meter
Phone and Cable – Customer owns service wire(s) from the backside of the protector or demarcation point.