Understanding the Difference Between Private and Public Utilities: Why It Matters Before You Dig
Whether you’re breaking ground on a new construction project, installing a fence, or planting trees, knowing what lies beneath the surface is essential for managing project costs and avoiding service disruptions. Most people are familiar with the idea of “calling before you dig,” but fewer understand the distinction between public and private utilities — and why both need to be located.
What Are Public Utilities?
Public utilities are owned and maintained by utility companies or municipalities. These include services like:
Electricity distribution lines
Natural gas pipelines
Municipal water and sewer lines
Telecommunications and cable infrastructure
Public utilities typically run from the street to a designated demarcation point — often the meter, curb stop, or property line. These lines are documented and registered with provincial One Call systems (like Ontario One Call), and when you request a locate, these registered utilities will send representatives or contractors to mark them out — free of charge.
What Are Private Utilities?
Private utilities, on the other hand, are buried lines that extend beyond the demarcation point, typically on private property. These utilities are installed and owned by the property owner or a private entity. Common examples include:
Power lines running to detached garages, barns, or sheds
Gas lines to pools, outdoor kitchens, or generators
Water lines on private campuses or industrial sites
Communications lines within commercial properties or apartment complexes
Sewer laterals from a building to the municipal main
Private utilities are not marked by the One Call system. This is where multiVIEW Locates Inc. comes in.
Why You Need Both Public and Private Locates
Relying solely on the One Call system gives a partial picture of what’s underground. If private lines are missed, you could accidentally damage buried infrastructure, causing costly repairs, service disruption, or legal liability.
For example, damaging an unmarked gas line to a pool heater could result in expensive repairs. Or cutting through a private hydro line could knock out power to an entire workshop.
How multiVIEW Locates Inc. Can Help
We specialize in locating both public and private utilities using advanced techniques such as:
Ground penetrating radar (GPR)
Electromagnetic locating
Vacuum excavation
Whether you’re a contractor, property manager, or homeowner, our services ensure a complete picture of the subsurface, giving you the confidence to dig and avoid costly surprises.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between public and private utilities isn’t just a technical detail — it’s a critical step in avoiding costly damage and maintaining regulatory compliance. Before your next project, make sure you’re fully covered. Call the One Call system, then call multiVIEW.
Ready to book a private locate?
Contact us today or visit our Book a Locate page.