Where we take hydro-excavation requests

What's different about digging in the Permian Basin

Caliche is the local signature. This hard, cemented calcium carbonate layer sits near the surface across much of West Texas and can be tough to cut even with high-pressure water. Experienced crews adjust pressure, nozzles and technique to get through it efficiently. Expect production rates to vary from site to site depending on how thick and hard the caliche is.

Pipeline density is unusual here. Many leases have multiple operators' lines crossing the same corridor, some installed decades ago with incomplete records. That's why potholing to physically verify every line before crossing is standard practice, and why many operators require hydrovac or hand digging within the tolerance zone around marked lines.

Texas law requires anyone who intends to excavate to notify Texas811 no earlier than 14 days and no later than 48 hours before digging, not counting weekends and legal holidays, and to confirm that facility operators have responded before excavating. For pipelines, the Railroad Commission of Texas enforces damage-prevention rules. The excavating contractor is responsible for the locate request, so confirm who holds the ticket for your job.

Water and disposal logistics matter in a dry region. Hydrovac trucks need water to work and somewhere approved to dump the slurry. Contractors who work the basin know where to fill and dispose, which keeps trucks working instead of driving. In winter, northers can bring hard freezes, and crews use heated systems to keep water lines and pumps working.

Requests in the Midland area range from pipeline crossings and daylighting on lease roads to utility locates for new commercial construction, fiber installs and water line repairs inside city limits. Rural jobs often involve long drives on caliche roads, so give clear directions, a pin drop or GPS coordinates, and lease or gate access details. In town, mention whether the work is in a street, alley, sidewalk or private lot, because work in public right-of-way may need a city permit and traffic control. Caliche layers and hard, dry soils common in the Permian Basin can slow digging, which a contractor will want to know about when estimating time.

Coverage depends on which independent providers are available for your location and job. We can't promise every request will be matched. Free matching service by Voraus LLC. We connect you with independent local hydro-excavation contractors. We are not a hydro-excavation contractor and do not perform the work.