A backhoe operator is excavating for a new sewer line. The site has blue, red, and orange paint marks on the ground. What do these colours represent according to Canadian Utility Locating Standards?

Question: A backhoe operator is excavating for a new sewer line. The site has blue, red, and orange paint marks on the ground. What do these colours represent according to Canadian Utility Locating Standards?

Answer options: ✅ Blue for water, red for electrical, orange for communication.

• Blue for electrical, red for gas, orange for water.
• Blue for communication, red for water, orange for gas.
• Blue for gas, red for communication, orange for sewer.

Correct answer: Blue for water, red for electrical, orange for communication.

Explanation: According to the universal colour codes for underground utilities in Canada (and North America), blue marks indicate water lines, red indicates electrical power lines, and orange indicates communication lines (e.g., telephone, fibre optics, cable TV). Recognizing these colours is essential for safe excavation planning.