Protecting Illinois: Understanding JULIE One Call System For Safe Digging

Ms. Nannie Toy V 23 Jun 2025

Before you embark on any digging project, no matter how small, there's a crucial step that can prevent serious accidents, costly damages, and legal repercussions: contacting JULIE. This article delves deep into the essential role of JULIE, the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators, a vital service that has been safeguarding Illinois communities for over five decades. While some might mistakenly associate the name "Julie" with a popular TV show character, our focus here is squarely on the indispensable utility notification system that ensures your safety and the integrity of underground infrastructure.

Understanding JULIE is not just a recommendation; it's a legal requirement and a fundamental aspect of responsible digging in Illinois. From professional excavators handling large-scale construction to homeowners planning a simple fence installation, knowing when and how to contact JULIE can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this free, 24/7 service, emphasizing its importance in preventing tragic accidents and maintaining the smooth operation of essential services.

What is JULIE and Why is it Crucial for Illinois?
The Law and Your Digging Project: When to Contact JULIE
How to Submit a Dig Request to JULIE: Online vs. Phone
- The Efficiency of Remote Ticket Entry (RTE)
- The Traditional Phone Call Method
Understanding the Marking Process: What Happens After Your JULIE Request?
The Risks of Digging Without Notifying JULIE
JULIE for Homeowners vs. Professional Excavators
Key Facts About JULIE (A Quick Reference)
- JULIE's Commitment to Safety
- Beyond Just Locating: Preventing Damage and Ensuring Compliance
Common Misconceptions About JULIE

What is JULIE and Why is it Crucial for Illinois?

At its core, JULIE, which stands for Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators, is Illinois's statewide one-call notification service. Its primary mission is to protect underground utility infrastructure and, more importantly, the lives of those who dig. For more than 50 years, JULIE has been a cornerstone of public safety in Illinois, operating as a free notification service for both professional excavators and homeowners. This service acts as a crucial intermediary, receiving requests from individuals planning to dig and then notifying the relevant utility companies who own and operate underground lines in the proposed excavation area.

The significance of JULIE cannot be overstated. Imagine striking a gas line, severing a fiber optic cable, or hitting an electrical conduit. The consequences can range from minor service interruptions to catastrophic explosions, severe injuries, or even fatalities. These incidents also lead to significant financial penalties, repair costs, and environmental damage. JULIE mitigates these risks by ensuring that utility lines are accurately marked *before* any ground is broken. This proactive approach saves lives, protects property, and prevents costly disruptions to essential services like water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. The system’s longevity, over half a century of dedicated service, speaks volumes about its effectiveness and the critical role it plays in maintaining the safety and functionality of Illinois communities.

The Law and Your Digging Project: When to Contact JULIE

In Illinois, contacting JULIE before you dig isn't just a good idea; it's mandated by state law. The Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (220 ILCS 50) clearly outlines the legal obligations for anyone planning excavation. This law is in place to ensure public safety and prevent damage to the vast network of underground utilities that power our homes and businesses.

Specifically, state law requires you to notify JULIE at least 3 but not more than 10 days before any digging project. This window allows utility owners sufficient time to respond to your request and mark their lines accurately. It's a common misconception that this rule only applies to large construction projects or deep excavations. However, the law explicitly states that this notification is required "regardless of the project size or depth." This means whether you're installing a mailbox, planting a tree, building a deck, or undertaking a major construction endeavor, the obligation to contact JULIE remains the same. Even if you are digging in your own backyard, on private property, or only a few inches deep, you must contact JULIE. The risks associated with hitting an unmarked utility line are present even in seemingly minor digging activities, making this universal requirement a critical safety measure.

Failing to contact JULIE before digging can result in significant legal penalties, including fines, liability for repair costs, and even criminal charges if an accident occurs. Beyond the legal ramifications, the potential for personal injury or loss of life makes compliance with this law an absolute necessity for anyone with a shovel in hand.

How to Submit a Dig Request to JULIE: Online vs. Phone

JULIE understands that convenience is key to compliance, which is why their request system is designed to be accessible and user-friendly. Whether you prefer the efficiency of online submission or the direct interaction of a phone call, JULIE’s request system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This round-the-clock availability ensures that you can submit your request whenever it's most convenient for your schedule, allowing you to plan your digging project effectively within the required notification window.

There are two primary methods for submitting a dig request to JULIE:

The Efficiency of Remote Ticket Entry (RTE)

For many, especially professional excavators who frequently submit requests, Remote Ticket Entry (RTE) is a convenient alternative to calling JULIE. This self-service online portal allows users to submit their locate requests directly, bypassing the need to wait for an agent and verbalize their request. Created specifically for professional excavators, this self-service option streamlines the process, making it faster and more efficient. RTE provides a digital interface where users can input all necessary project details, including the excavation site's address, the type of work being done, and the exact boundaries of the digging area. The system guides you through each step, ensuring all required information is provided accurately. This method is particularly beneficial for those who manage multiple projects or prefer to work outside traditional business hours, offering unparalleled flexibility and control over the submission process. The immediate confirmation and digital record of your request also add an extra layer of accountability and documentation.

The Traditional Phone Call Method

While RTE offers significant advantages, calling JULIE remains a popular and effective method, especially for homeowners or those who prefer speaking directly with a representative. You can reach JULIE by dialing 811 (the national "Call Before You Dig" number) or 1-800-892-0123. When you call, a trained agent will guide you through the process, asking for all the necessary information about your digging project. This includes the location, type of work, and specific details about the area you intend to excavate. The agent will then process your request, ensuring that all relevant utility owners are notified. This method provides the benefit of direct assistance, allowing you to ask questions and clarify any uncertainties in real-time. It's an excellent option for those who might be less comfortable with online portals or who have unique project circumstances that require verbal explanation.

Understanding the Marking Process: What Happens After Your JULIE Request?

Once you've submitted your request to JULIE, the next phase involves the utility owners themselves. JULIE acts as the notification center; it does not perform the actual marking. Instead, it forwards your request to its member utility companies who have underground facilities in your proposed digging area. These utility owners are then responsible for locating and marking their lines. This is why it's crucial to get your underground utility lines marked before you start digging.

Within the legally mandated timeframe (typically 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, from the time of your request), representatives from the various utility companies will visit your site. They use specific color codes to mark the approximate location of their underground lines with paint, flags, or stakes. Understanding these colors is vital for safe excavation:

**Red:** Electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables.
**Yellow:** Gas, oil, petroleum, or gaseous materials.
**Orange:** Telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, cables, or conduit.
**Blue:** Potable water.
**Purple:** Irrigation and slurry lines.
**Green:** Sewers and drain lines.
**Pink:** Temporary survey markings.
**White:** Proposed excavation limits or boundaries.

It's important to remember that these markings indicate the *approximate* location of the utility. A "tolerance zone" typically extends 18 inches on either side of the marked line. Within this tolerance zone, only hand-digging or vacuum excavation should be used to carefully expose the utility. Never use mechanical equipment directly over or near marked lines. Always verify that all expected utilities have been marked before beginning any excavation, and if you have any doubts, contact JULIE again.

The Risks of Digging Without Notifying JULIE

Ignoring the requirement to contact JULIE before digging carries severe and far-reaching consequences. These risks fall into several categories, impacting personal safety, financial well-being, and legal standing, truly embodying the "Your Money or Your Life" principle.

Personal Injury or Fatality: This is the most critical risk. Striking an underground electrical line can cause electrocution. Hitting a gas line can lead to explosions, fires, and asphyxiation. Severing a water main can cause flooding and create dangerous sinkholes. These incidents can result in severe injuries, permanent disability, or even death for you, your family, or your neighbors.
Property Damage: Damaging utility lines can lead to extensive property damage. A ruptured water pipe can flood basements and foundations. A damaged gas line can ignite, destroying homes. Severed communication lines can disrupt essential services for entire neighborhoods, impacting businesses and emergency services.
Service Outages: Cutting a utility line can cause widespread outages of electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone services. This not only inconveniences countless people but can also have significant economic impacts on businesses and critical infrastructure.
Significant Financial Penalties: Beyond the cost of repairs, state law imposes substantial fines for digging without a JULIE locate request. These fines can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars, making a seemingly minor oversight incredibly expensive.
Liability for Repair Costs: If you damage a utility line because you failed to contact JULIE, you will likely be held financially responsible for all repair costs. These costs can be exorbitant, easily reaching tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the type and extent of the damage. Your homeowner's insurance may not cover damages resulting from negligence.
Legal Ramifications: In addition to fines and civil liability, severe incidents resulting from unnotified digging can lead to criminal charges, especially if serious injury or death occurs.
Environmental Damage: Certain utility line ruptures, such as those involving petroleum pipelines, can lead to environmental contamination, requiring costly and extensive cleanup efforts.

The minimal effort required to contact JULIE pales in comparison to the immense risks associated with digging blindly. It's a simple, free step that provides invaluable protection against a multitude of potential disasters.

JULIE for Homeowners vs. Professional Excavators

While the core service of JULIE remains the same for all users – providing free notification to utility owners – there are subtle differences in how homeowners and professional excavators typically interact with the system and the level of detail they provide.

Homeowners: For the average homeowner, digging projects are often less frequent and smaller in scale. This might include planting trees, installing a fence, building a deck, or adding an irrigation system. Homeowners are encouraged to use either the online request system or the phone service (811 or 1-800-892-0123). The process is simplified to guide them through providing the necessary information without requiring extensive technical knowledge. The key message for homeowners is that *every* digging project, no matter how minor, warrants a call to JULIE. The service is entirely free, removing any financial barrier to safety.
Professional Excavators: For contractors, landscapers, and other professionals who regularly engage in excavation, the volume and complexity of their projects are much higher. For these users, the Remote Ticket Entry (RTE) system is often the preferred method due to its efficiency and ability to manage multiple requests. RTE allows professionals to input detailed project information, including specific excavation boundaries, project numbers, and contact details, streamlining their workflow. JULIE also offers resources and training specifically tailored for professional excavators to enhance their understanding of safe digging practices and compliance with state laws. While the service is free for them too, the emphasis shifts slightly towards efficiency and integration into their operational procedures.

Regardless of whether you're a homeowner or a seasoned professional, JULIE's commitment to protecting Illinois communities remains steadfast. The system is designed to be accessible and beneficial for everyone who puts a shovel in the ground.

Key Facts About JULIE (A Quick Reference)

To provide a clear overview of the JULIE system, here’s a quick reference guide to its essential characteristics and services:

Attribute	Description
Full Name	Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators
Purpose	To protect underground utility infrastructure and public safety by providing a free notification service for excavators to request utility line markings before digging.
Service Area	State of Illinois (excluding the City of Chicago, which has its own separate 811 system).
Operating Hours	24 hours a day, 7 days a week for submitting requests (online or phone).
Cost to User	Free for both homeowners and professional excavators.
Notification Period	State law requires notification at least 3, but not more than 10, working days before digging.
Contact Methods	Online via Remote Ticket Entry (RTE) or by phone (811 or 1-800-892-0123).
Legal Basis	Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (220 ILCS 50).
Years in Service	Over 50 years, protecting Illinois communities since 1972.

JULIE's Commitment to Safety

JULIE's enduring presence for over five decades underscores its unwavering commitment to safety. Their mission extends beyond merely processing requests; it's about fostering a culture of safety awareness and damage prevention across Illinois. By serving as the central point of contact, JULIE streamlines what would otherwise be a chaotic and dangerous process of individually contacting multiple utility companies. This centralization not only makes the process easier for excavators but also significantly enhances the overall safety landscape, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the continuity of vital services. Their continuous efforts in public education and outreach are pivotal in reminding everyone that "Call Before You Dig" is a simple yet life-saving mantra.

Beyond Just Locating: Preventing Damage and Ensuring Compliance

While the primary function of JULIE is to facilitate the location of underground utilities, its impact stretches much further. By providing a structured and legally mandated process, JULIE helps prevent costly damages that would otherwise burden utility companies, consumers (through higher rates), and taxpayers. It also plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with state laws, holding both excavators and utility owners accountable for their responsibilities. The system contributes to environmental protection by preventing leaks and spills that can result from damaged pipelines. Ultimately, JULIE is a cornerstone of infrastructure resilience, ensuring that Illinois's essential services remain intact and operational, supporting economic activity and the daily lives of millions.

Common Misconceptions About JULIE

Despite its long history and vital role, several common misconceptions about JULIE persist. Dispelling these myths is crucial for ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities and stays safe:

"I only need to call for big projects or deep digging." This is perhaps the most dangerous misconception. As state law clearly states, you must notify JULIE at least 3 but not more than 10 days before *any* digging project, regardless of its size or depth. Even shallow digging for planting flowers or installing a fence post can strike a buried utility line.
"JULIE marks the lines." JULIE is a notification service. It receives your request and then notifies the member utility owners. It is the responsibility of the utility owners (or their contractors) to send locators to mark their lines.
"I called JULIE last year for a project in the same spot, so I don't need to call again." Each new digging project requires a new locate request. Utility lines can be moved, new ones installed, or previous markings can fade. Always get a fresh locate request for every new project.
"I'm digging on my own property, so it's fine." Utility lines often run through private property, including residential yards. State law applies to digging on all types of property, public or private.
"The markings mean I can dig anywhere within the marked area." The markings indicate the *approximate* location. There is a "tolerance zone" around the marks (typically 18 inches on either side). Within this zone, only careful hand-digging or vacuum excavation should be used. Mechanical digging should be kept clear of this zone.
"If I don't see any markings, it means there are no lines." If you've called JULIE and no marks appear within the required timeframe, it doesn't mean the area is clear. It means the utility owners haven't responded. You should re-contact JULIE to ensure all utilities have been notified and responded before proceeding.

Understanding these distinctions is vital for ensuring full compliance and, more importantly, for protecting lives and property.

Conclusion

The JULIE One Call System is far more than just a phone number; it's a critical safety net that has protected Illinois communities for over 50 years. By providing a free, accessible, and legally mandated service, JULIE ensures that underground utility lines are identified and marked before any digging project begins, significantly reducing the risk of dangerous accidents, costly damages, and service disruptions. From the smallest homeowner project to the largest professional excavation, the message remains clear and unwavering: always contact JULIE before you dig.

Remember, state law requires you to notify JULIE at least 3 but not more than 10 days before any digging project, regardless of its size or depth. Utilize the convenient Remote Ticket Entry (RTE) system for efficiency, or simply dial 811 (or 1-800-892-0123) to submit your request. Your proactive step in contacting JULIE not only safeguards your well-being and financial security but also contributes to the safety and reliability of essential services for everyone in Illinois. Don't take chances with what lies beneath; make the call, mark the lines, and dig safely. Share this article with friends, family, and colleagues to spread awareness and ensure everyone understands the vital importance of JULIE.

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