Hydrovac excavation, also called hydro excavation or simply “hydro-excavating” is an innovative excavation technology that uses water and pressurized air to break apart soil, clay and rock. It has become increasingly popular with utility companies and construction contractors, who use it for a variety of tasks such as digging trenches, locating underground utilities and gas lines, cleaning sewer pipes and excavating around delicate structures. The process of hydrovac excavation is less destructive than traditional digging methods, making it ideal for sensitive areas that may contain fragile infrastructure or valuable artifacts.

The history of hydrovac excavation dates back to the early 19th century when French engineer Claude Chabert patented the first hydraulic shovel in 1818. Chabert's invention relied on forced water to break apart rock and earth much more quickly than manual labor could achieve. This groundbreaking technology drastically lowered the amount of time needed to complete large-scale projects such as canal systems, railroads and other major infrastructure projects.

By the mid-1900s, hydraulic vacuum excavators began appearing in North America as modern technology allowed engineers to find new ways to use high pressure water streams. Hydrovac trucks were first used by oilfields beginning in Texas during the 1950s before becoming commonplace across North America in the 1970s. By this time, hydrovac technology had matured enough to allow contractors to perform many of the same tasks they do today faster than ever before.

Today hydrovac excavation is a vital tool for utility companies, construction contractors and other civil engineers around the world. With its ability to quickly dig deep into soil without damaging surrounding objects or infrastructure, it has become invaluable for safely maintaining roads, bridges and other public works projects without disrupting daily life or causing large-scale damage from traditional machinery like backhoes or bulldozers.

The hydrovac or hydro excavation industry has grown exponentially since its invention in the early 19th century. In 1913, Canada began using the process for digging trenches during the construction of a railway line in British Columbia. This marked the start of the industry’s journey to becoming a multi-million dollar business worldwide.

Since then, hydrovac excavation has been used for myriad applications such as locating utilities and gas lines, cleaning sewer pipes, and excavating around delicate structures. It is now an invaluable tool for utility companies, construction contractors and other civil engineers who need to safely maintain roads and bridges without disrupting daily life or causing large-scale damage from traditional machinery like backhoes or bulldozers.

Hydrovac technology matured enough in the mid-1900s to allow contractors to complete projects faster than ever before. During this period, the first hydraulic vacuum excavators appeared in North America with oilfields beginning to use them in Texas during the 1950s. Soon thereafter hydrovacs could be seen all across North America being used by various companies.

In recent years, advances in technology have further improved hydrovac operations making them more efficient and safer than ever before. Computerized control systems that monitor water pressure levels and directional drilling capabilities have become commonplace features on modern hydrovac equipment which allows for greater precision when working with even fragile infrastructure or valuable artifacts. Additionally, high tech cameras are frequently mounted on truck booms so operators can accurately assess underground conditions prior to commencing work.

Hydrovac excavation has become a major player in public works projects worldwide due to its ability to quickly dig deep into soil without damaging surrounding objects or infrastructure. With decades of experience behind it, this revolutionary technology continues to provide fast, reliable and safe solutions for many of our most important civil engineering tasks today.