Forms and Resources from Columbia Water Company

excavating

Know What’s Below—Call 811 Before You Dig

In Pennsylvania, you are required to contact PA One Call by dialing 8-1-1 at least three business days before you begin any excavation project. When PA One Call receives a call, it will alert the appropriate underground facility owners of your intent to dig. The underground facility owners will identify any underground lines at your work site.

Everyday excavation can result in consequences that you may not expect, resulting in serious injury or death, environmental damage, and costly delays. You can reduce such risks by calling 8-1-1.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the use of 8-1-1 as the national abbreviated telephone number for commercial and residential consumers to provide advanced notice of excavation activities.

In keeping with the FCC ruling, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ordered all telephone systems in Pennsylvania to fully implement 8-1-1.

Fascinating Water Facts

Have you ever wondered how water consumption has changed over the last century?

Or the true value of tap water? Then it’s time to satisfy your curiosity!

  • In 1900, Pennsylvania residential water usage was approximately five gallons per person per day. Today, residential use is approximately 62 gallons per person per day.
  • Minor water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes. Make sure you’re not wasting water with information on water conservation.
  • About one million Pennsylvania households rely on 450,000 individual wells. 10.5 million people rely on 2,100 community drinking water systems, 100 of which are investor-owned water utilities like Columbia Water Company.
  • A 20-ounce bottle of water costs approximately $1.59 at the store. You could fill that same bottle every day for five years, using tap water, for that same $1.59. That’s the true value of tap water.

We have been delivering water to consumers in Lancaster and York Counties for more than 200 years—and we’re proud to continue the tradition of supplying safe, clean water to you.

Contact us with questions.

We’re happy to help.