Hydro excavation is a method of digging that uses high‑pressure water to break up soil and a powerful vacuum to remove the slurry into a debris tank.

It is a non‑destructive form of excavation that helps avoid damage to underground utilities like gas, water, and communication lines. A hydrovac truck uses a focused water jet to loosen the ground while a vacuum system simultaneously sucks the material into a sealed tank. Because it is precise and controlled, hydro excavation is commonly used for exposing utilities, narrow trenching, and digging in congested or sensitive areas such as city streets or industrial sites.