In the Know: What flows through pipes of many colors?

2022-07-30 07:18:51 By : Ms. Ada Jiang

Q: There are many different colored pipes — some blue, some red, some lavender, some green — that traverse the canals, and pop up from the ground in other places. Could you please describe what flows through each color pipe?

A: As indicated, pipes are color coded according to what flows through them, said Margie Hapke, interim supervisor of Utilities Ordinance Education and Compliance for the Collier County Public Utilities Department.

The three colors of pipes seen most often in the Naples area are probably blue, green and lavender. Blue pipes are used for potable or drinking water. Green pipes are sewer and drain lines. Lavender or purple pipes carry reclaimed wastewater that undergoes filtration and disinfection treatment before being reused for irrigation.

Other uniform color codes by the American Public Works Association for identifying utility conduits include red for electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables; yellow for gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials; and orange for communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit.

“The color coding also correlates to the different colored flags people see in construction areas or areas where there is excavation going on,” Hapke said. “The flags mark the location of underground utilities and, by the color, tell construction and excavation workers what the pipes below are carrying.”

White flags or markings designate proposed excavation, and pink ones indicate temporary survey markings, Hapke said.

“It’s extremely important to know what utilities are underground before you start digging to replant a tree or put up a fence,” she said. “Always call 811 before you dig. The Sunshine 811 system works to identify what utilities are underground that you need to avoid when excavating.”

Call the free 811 service two full business days before you plan to dig so that underground utility lines, pipes and cables can be located. For more information visit www.sunshine811.com/homeowner.

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