J.U.L.I.E.

Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (J.U.L.I.E.)

In an effort to avoid damage to underground to utility lines, Illinois law requires all persons digging, regardless of the depth of the project, to call J.U.L.I.E. at 800-892-0123 at least 48 hours (two working days) prior to the start of excavation and to begin that excavation project within 14 calendar day from calling J.U.L.I.E.

Call Ahead

This call will allow all affected utilities sufficient time to locate and mark their respective utilities lines. (The 48-hour notice does not include Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.) Failure to contact J.U.L.I.E. prior to excavation in accordance with the law can carry penalties from $200 up to $5,000 for each separate offense. Prior to calling J.U.L.I.E., be prepared to provide the following information

  • Your name, address, and phone number at which you and / or a site contact can be reached and a fax and/or pager number, for any questions that may come up
  • County and city or county and unincorporated area of township
  • Location at which the excavation will take place, which may include (is not limited to) address, cross street, lot numbers, etc.
  • The start date and time of the planned excavation work

Marking the Site

Marking your proposed project site with white paint can help expedite this process. The following colors will be used by utility companies when marking the location of underground lines with either paint or flags or a combination of both:

Underground Lines Color
Communication, Telephone, TV Orange
Electric Red
Gas, Oil, Petroleum Yellow
Proposed Excavation White
Reclaimed Water Purple
Sewer Green
Temporary Survey Pink
Water Blue

Privately Owned Lines

It is important to note that some service lines extending from the property easement to the house belong to the homeowners, and as such are considered privately owned. J.U.L.I.E. member companies do not locate privately installed lines or facilities such as house-to-garage or outbuildings, gas lights, gas grills, pool heaters, etc.