---
title: Underground Warning Tape & Non-Potable Water Marking
description: Detectable and non-detectable underground warning tape. Non-potable water markers meeting IPC, UPC, and APWA standards.
---
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1. [Kolbi Pipe Markers Product Catalog](https://info.kolbipipemarkers.com/product-catalog?hsLang=en-us)
2. [Underground & Non-Potable Marking](https://info.kolbipipemarkers.com/product-catalog/underground-non-potable-marking?hsLang=en-us)
# Underground Warning Tape & Non-Potable Water Marking
## Detectable and non-detectable underground tape and non-potable water identification.
#### Underground Warning Tape & Non-Potable Water Marking
Kolbi's underground warning tape and non-potable water marking products prevent costly utility damage and ensure safe water system identification. Our solutions comply with APWA (American Public Works Association), IPC, UPC, and California Plumbing Code requirements for buried pipe location and non-potable water system identification.
### Underground Warning Tape – Non-Detectable
Brightly colored, highly visible plastic tape that marks buried utility lines for visual identification during excavation. Ideal for cost-effective marking in areas where metal detection is not required.
- Construction: 4 mil thick tape, 1000' per roll
- Material: Organic (no lead content)
- Visibility: High-contrast colors for easy identification
- Compliance: Meets APWA Standards
- Installation Depth: Can be installed at any depth
- Available Legends: All standard utility colors listed below
| Size & Quantity | 1-4 Rolls | 5-9 Rolls | 10+ Rolls |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 3" Non-Detectable | $32.15 | $29.50 | $24.67 |
| 6" Non-Detectable | $59.55 | $55.46 | $48.15 |
### Underground Warning Tape – Detectable
Metal-impregnated tape that can be located via metal detector for precise pipe identification during excavation. Brightly colored for both sight and electronic detection. Recommended for deeper installations and high-traffic areas.
- Construction: 5 mil thick tape with solid aluminum foil core, 1000' per roll
- Detection: Metal detector compatible
- Visibility: Bright colors plus electronic detection capability
- Compliance: Meets APWA Standards
- Depth Recommendations: 3" tape for \<24" depth; 6" tape for \>24" depth
- Available Legends: All standard utility colors listed below
| Size & Quantity | 1-4 Rolls | 5-9 Rolls | 10+ Rolls |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 3" Detectable | $71.45 | $66.07 | $59.50 |
| 6" Detectable | $133.38 | $125.06 | $110.67 |
### Underground Warning Tape Legend & Colors
Color-coded tapes help excavators quickly identify buried utilities and prevent dangerous mistakes:
| Color | Legend | Detectable |
| --- | --- | --- |
| White | Potable Water | No |
| Black | Caution: Nonpotable Water, Do Not Drink | Yes |
| Black | Caution: Nonpotable Gray Water, Do Not Drink | Yes |
| Black | Caution: Nonpotable Reclaimed (Recycled) Water, Do Not Drink | Yes |
| Black | Caution: On-Site Treated Nonpotable Water, Do Not Drink | Yes |
| Black | Caution: Nonpotable Rainwater, Do Not Drink | Yes |
| Yellow | Caution: Nonpotable Gray Water, Do Not Drink | Yes |
| Yellow | Caution: On-Site Treated Nonpotable Water, Do Not Drink | Yes |
| Yellow | Caution: Nonpotable Rainwater, Do Not Drink | Yes |
| Other Colors | Gas, Sewer, Fuel, Cable, Communication, Fiber Optic, Utility, Pipeline, High Voltage, and more | Yes/No options available |
### Standard Non-Potable Pipe Marking – Rolls
Above-ground or underground non-potable pipe marking products that meet International Plumbing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, and California Plumbing Code requirements. Durable outdoor-grade vinyl with pressure-sensitive adhesive.
- Material: Outdoor-grade pressure-sensitive vinyl
- Compliance: IPC, UPC, and California Plumbing Code
- Standards: ANSI/ASME A13.1 for piping identification
- Temperature Range: -40°F to 180°F
- Available Formats: Roll style for full pipe coverage
- Pictograms: All required plumbing code wording includes pictograms
| Size | Standard 1-9 Rolls | Standard 10-24 Rolls | Standard 25+ Rolls | Custom 3-9 Rolls | Custom 10-24 Rolls | Custom 25+ Rolls |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2" x 30 Yard | $42.56 | $37.94 | $33.34 | $59.58 | $37.94 | $46.68 |
| 3" x 30 Yard | $60.96 | $54.10 | $47.67 | $82.31 | $73.35 | $64.63 |
| 4" x 30 Yard | $78.75 | $70.22 | $61.37 | $106.32 | $94.75 | $83.43 |
### Non-Potable Pipe Marking – Individual Adhesive Markers
Alternative format for applications where roll markers are impractical. Individual markers provide flexibility for custom spacing and retrofitting existing systems.
- Format: Individual adhesive markers (not rolls)
- Flexibility: Can be applied at custom intervals
- Compliance: Same IPC, UPC, and California code compliance as roll markers
- Available Wording: All standard plumbing code legends
- Custom Options: Available upon request
*Contact us for individual marker pricing and availability. Combine quantity orders for best pricing on both rolls and individual markers.*
### Plumbing Code Requirements for Non-Potable Systems
All non-potable water systems must be clearly marked to prevent cross-contamination. Required markings include:
- Color coding: Typical color is purple, yellow, or dual-colored per local code
- Text: "Do Not Drink" and system type (gray water, reclaimed, rainwater, etc.)
- Pictogram: Universal "do not drink" symbol
- Placement: At valve locations, service connections, and intervals per code
- Durability: Must withstand outdoor exposure and cleaning
### APWA Standard Color Codes for Underground Utilities
Standard color coding helps prevent utility strikes during excavation:
- **White:** Potable water lines
- **Black:** Sanitary/storm sewers, nonpotable water, and miscellaneous uses
- **Yellow:** Gas, oil, steam, and potentially hazardous liquids
- **Red:** Electric power lines and cables
- **Blue:** Potable water, water valve boxes, and meter boxes
- **Green:** Sewers and drain lines
- **Orange:** Communications, cable TV, alarm, signal lines
### Installation Best Practices
- **Underground Tape Placement:** Install above buried pipes at a depth of 12-24 inches
- **Spacing:** Place tape markers at regular intervals for easy location with a metal detector
- **Non-Potable Markers:** Apply at every valve, service connection, and per local code intervals
- **Surface Preparation:** Apply to clean, dry surfaces above 50°F for optimal adhesion
- **Documentation:** Maintain as-built drawings showing tape and marker locations
- **Maintenance:** Replace faded or damaged tape and markers promptly
### Compliance Standards
All underground and non-potable marking products meet:
- APWA Standards – Utility locating and identification
- IPC (International Plumbing Code) – Non-potable water system marking
- UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) – Non-potable water system marking
- California Plumbing Code – State-specific requirements
- ANSI/ASME A13.1 – Piping system identification standards
- Local utility locating requirements and "Call Before You Dig" regulations
### How to Order
Contact our sales team for custom legends, specialized tape colors, bulk pricing, and technical support:
- **Email:** sales@kolbipipemarkers.com
- **Phone:** 800-499-8450
- **Website:** www.kolbipipemarkers.com
Minimum order quantities apply to custom products. We combine quantities for best pricing and work with contractors, municipalities, and water utilities to provide cost-effective underground and non-potable marking solutions.
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