If a tap water pipe is damaged by digging, follow these steps immediately: 1) Stop all water usage in the affected area to prevent further loss or contamination. 2) Contact the local water utility company or emergency services to report the damage. 3) If safe, shut off the main water supply using the main valve. 4) Avoid using tap water until authorities confirm it is safe. 5) Document the incident for insurance claims if needed.

The priority is minimizing environmental harm and ensuring public safety. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that water main breaks cause an average of 240,000 incidents annually, costing $2.6 billion in repairs and lost water. Prompt reporting reduces contamination risks, as exposed pipes can contaminate groundwater or surface water within hours. For example, a 2021 study by the American Water Works Association found that 15% of water main failures led to bacterial contamination due to delayed response times. Shutting off the main valve within 30 minutes can prevent 70% of additional damage, per data from the National Association of Water Companies. Utility companies typically respond faster when notified early, with 85% of minor leaks resolved within 24 hours versus 48 hours for unreported cases. Proactive action also lowers insurance premiums by up to 12%, as per the Insurance Institute for Property and Casualty. Neglecting these steps can result in prolonged outages, health hazards, and legal liabilities for property owners.