Freeport committee backs code change to require tracer wire on new water and sewer laterals to meet state JULIE law

City staff told the committee that a 2026 amendment to the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (commonly referenced as JULIE) now requires that newly installed or replaced water and sewer service laterals be electronically locatable and that local code should be updated to align with the new state law.

Manager Boyer explained the change and said the proposed local amendment would require tracer wire (or approved locating technology) as a condition of permit issuance and final inspection for applicable private service laterals. The goal is to reduce accidental hits during excavation and to make future locating easier.

Council members asked how the new requirement will interact with older properties that lack tracer wire and whether the city will continue to locate city-owned utilities when private laterals are not marked. Staff said existing locating practices remain in place for older service lines: crews will locate from the main in the street and mark accordingly; new or replaced laterals must be installable and locatable to meet the state standard.

The committee voted to move the ordinance forward to the full council for further readings. Staff said they will add clarifying language to the draft and provide any necessary public notice to contractors and property owners as the requirement is phased in.