NM Gas Co. urges 811 calls as digging incidents rise in New Mexico
By Taylor Velazquez
April 28, 2026 at 5:05 PM MDT
April marks the start of gardening, landscaping, and home improvement projects around New Mexico. But New Mexico Gas Co. is also seeing a rise in incidents of homeowners accidentally hitting gas lines.
Officials are reminding residents to call 811 before starting any digging project. The gas company can then come out and help homeowners identify utility lines.
Ray Sanchez, vice president of operations and customer service, said folks should call the line at least two business days before digging.
“Don’t assume that anywhere you dig is going to be safe,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said that accidentally hitting a line can be dangerous, especially since some utilities are located just below the surface.
It can also be costly.
Officials are reminding residents to call 811 before starting any digging project. The gas company can then come out and help homeowners identify utility lines.
Ray Sanchez, vice president of operations and customer service, said folks should call the line at least two business days before digging.
“Don’t assume that anywhere you dig is going to be safe,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said that accidentally hitting a line can be dangerous, especially since some utilities are located just below the surface.
It can also be costly.