Utility locating is more complicated in urban, highly-populated areas where underground utilities are more dense. The population of metropolitan areas in the U.S. increased 9% between 2010 and 2020. However, less than half of all U.S. counties gained population during this period--which means, in general terms, more people are living in denser areas.
These trends suggest that demand for utility locating will only grow, and that locating itself will become a more and more difficult but essential task as time goes on. To meet the country’s changing needs, wastewater, construction and utilities professionals need to invest in understanding and expanding utility locating services.