May 2014

Be a Smart Digger this Summer

Call 811 First!

The weather is beautiful and that digging project you've been dreaming about all winter is calling your name. Before you break ground, call 8-1-1 first to ensure all your underground utilities are marked.

Striking a utility could strap you with costly repair bills and put your safety at risk. Utility locates are free, but do take some planning. Be sure to call at least two business days before you plan to dig. That means, if you will be digging on the weekend, you need to call 8-1-1 by Wednesday to ensure the utilities have enough time to come out and mark your project.

For more information about Call Before You Dig and 811, click here. If your locate is late, incomplete or inaccurate, let us know! Call our Help Line at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882).

Save Money, Conserve Water

Take steps to keep your water bill low.

It takes a lot of water to keep our lawns and gardens looking their best, especially during the hot summer months. This is not only taxing on our precious resource, but can be costly as well. Summer water bills tend to be much higher than in colder times of the year. The good news is you can make changes to save money. Try some of these helpful watering tips:

Water at night or in the early morning.
Don't over water.
Avoid watering when it's windy.
Use rain barrels.
Target your watering (the pavement will do just fine without being watered).

Learn more about how you can keep your water bill lower this summer, and all year long, by checking out our water conservation fact sheet.

Interested in water conservation? Check out 100+ Ways to Conserve and see what else you can do to make the best use of the water you use.

Learn How to Read Your Phone Bill

It could save you from unwanted charges.

Few things are as cryptic as your phone bill. Do you know what it all means? Being familiar with the charges and billing structure is important to ensure you are only being charged for the services you requested. To protect yourself from unnecessary or unwanted charges:

Review your bill every month;
Keep a record of the phone services you have authorized or used;
Protect the use of your telephone;
Consider putting "blocks" on your phone use;
Read all forms and promotional materials carefully before signing up for telephone service; and
Act quickly on any matters that you dispute or question.

For more information and to learn more about what should be included on your monthly statement, click here. Remember, the UTC Help Line is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you have about your bill. Call 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or visit our website www.utc.wa.gov/consumer for more information.

Stay Connected

Follow the commission.

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
www.utc.wa.gov | 888.333.9882