Washington Hydrovac & Excavation Regulations
Excavation law, 811 notice rules, tolerance zone and penalties for Washington, with citations to the statutes and the one-call center.
Last reviewed October 18, 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality and utility, so always contact 811 and confirm current requirements before you dig. Read the disclaimer
Washington at a Glance
Call 811 before you dig
- One-call center
- Washington 811Visit website for Washington 811 (opens in a new tab)
- Phone
- 811
- Notice required
- At least 2 full business days and no more than 10 full business days before the work-to-begin date
- Tolerance zone
- 24 inches
- Maximum penalty
- $25,000 per violation for violations that damage hazardous liquid or gas facilities (RCW 19.122.055)
Washington requires excavators to notify Washington 811 at least 2 full business days and no more than 10 full business days before the work-to-begin date. The law is the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act, RCW 19.122, amended in 2025.
The statute defines safe and careful work methods to include potholing, hand digging and vacuum excavation.
Tolerance Zone
24 inches
"Reasonable accuracy" means within 24 inches of the outside dimensions of the facility (RCW 19.122.020). Safe and careful work methods include potholing, hand digging and vacuum excavation.
Key Regulations
Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act
Requires notice before excavation and sets safe digging standards.
Citation: RCW 19.122
Dig Law Safety Committee
Under RCW 19.122.130 the Utilities and Transportation Commission contracts with a statewide nonprofit, whose safety committee reviews alleged violations and advises on best practices. The UTC enforces penalties (RCW 19.122.140-.150).
Citation: RCW 19.122.130
Recent and Upcoming Changes
- Laws of 2025, ch. 292 (ESSB 5627, "Safe excavation") amended RCW 19.122.010, .020, .027, .030, .031, .040, .050, .055, .090, .100, .130 and .150.
Penalties for Violations
The Utilities and Transportation Commission enforces penalties.
Maximum penalty: $25,000 per violation for violations that damage hazardous liquid or gas facilities (RCW 19.122.055)
- Other violations: up to $1,000 initial and $5,000 for each subsequent violation within 3 years (RCW 19.122.070)
- Misdemeanor for excavating within 35 feet of a transmission pipeline without an excavation confirmation code, before the work-to-begin date, or before the pipeline operator's positive response (RCW 19.122.090)
- Treble damages for willful or malicious damage (RCW 19.122.070(2))
Licensing and Permits to Confirm
Licensing depends on the type of work and the city or county. Treat these as items to check with the Washington licensing board and your local permit office before bidding work.
- Washington contractor registration with the Department of Labor and Industries
- Local permits and business licenses where required
- Workers compensation and liability insurance as required by law and by contract
Sources
Last reviewed October 18, 2026. Facts on this page were checked against these statutes, rules and one-call center pages.
Disclaimer
This guide is general information about state excavation and one-call (811) laws. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Laws, rules and one-call center procedures change, and requirements can differ by city, county, utility operator and type of work. Facility operators may also set their own requirements. Before any excavation, contact the state one-call center through 811 and confirm current requirements in the statute and rules cited on this site. For questions about your obligations or liability, consult the statute directly or a licensed attorney in the state where the work takes place.
Hydrovac News makes no warranty that this information is complete, current or accurate, and is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on it.
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