Above / Call J.U.L.I.E. at 811 to send a utility locator to mark the spots of underground utility lines—even if you’re having a tree stump ground out on the other side of the yard.
Update, April 27, 2023 / Spring is the time to dig for new plantings, new gardens and new outdoor projects—and April has become known as “Safe Digging Month.” Today this post first launched in October 2017 and saved in PN’s archive, has been receiving lots of eyeballs via our search tool. The information is worth noting and remembering. Thanks.
FYI: Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators began serving Will County in 1984 and expanded its coverage via 811 throughout Illinois (except for City of Chicago) on Dec. 1, 1980. Be considerate and safe whenever you dig!
Original Post, Oct. 6, 2017 / Remember, if you’re planning a digging project, call J.U.L.I.E. at 8-1-1 prior to beginning any work.
J.U.L.I.E. stands for “Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators. ” The nonprofit business provides homeowners and professional excavators with one number to call before digging. Workers representing different utilities then arrive to plant colorful flags along matching spray-painted lines to mark the underground facilities in the area proposed for excavation.
According to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), every eight minutes an underground utility line is damaged because digging work was done without first calling 811. Underground cables for various utilities, including cable, water and sewer, are located throughout Naperville. These items can be damaged or ruptured by an assortment of digging instruments; a small bend or dent can create problems months later. Damaged cable can endanger property and public safety, in addition to being expensive and time consuming to repair.
Planning to dig? Call J.U.L.I.E. at 8-1-1, accessible around the clock
Before beginning outdoor work such as planting trees or shrubs, erecting a fence or undertaking any construction work, state law requires anyone digging to call JULIE for cable locations. J.U.L.I.E. alerts utility members in the area of your intent to dig. The number for J.U.L.I.E. is 8-1-1 and may be reached 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Anyone digging in Naperville, including homeowners and contractors, must call J.U.L.I.E. at least two working days before digging. Lines located in and around the planned dig area will be marked with different colors:
Yellow for gas or oil
Red for electric
Orange for communications
Blue for water
Green for sewer
Color-coded flags and spray-painted color-coordinated markings such as the ones shown in the photos are reminders of where not to dig.
This time of year, folks are planning decks, patios and other landscaping projects such as taking down dead trees.
If your lawn or parkway is marked without your knowledge, then likely your neighbors are planning some work or a utility operator is preparing for maintenance or repair.
Let us repeat… Spread the word… Call J.U.L.I.E. at 8-1-1
The goal of J.U.L.I.E. and the “Call 8-1-1” campaign is to reduce the risk of striking underground utility lines and potentially causing environmental or property damage, costly power outages or personal injury.
Note that J.U.L.I.E. is a free call and service. There is no good reason not to call 8-1-1 unless you just don’t know about J.U.L.I.E.
If it appears your neighbors are preparing a big outdoor project such as a new fence or deck and there is no sign of colorful flags, be sure to ask them if they know about J.U.L.I.E.
For complete details, visit http://www.illinois1call.com/
RELATED & UPDATED POST: 2013 Call J.U.L.I.E.
