A Look Through the Years at Wisconsin's One-Call Center
Customer service and safety have been at the core of Diggers Hotline’s mission since its founding. This commitment has transformed the organization from a small, member-based nonprofit into Wisconsin’s central resource for preventing damage to underground utility lines and protecting the safety of workers and residents. To date, Diggers Hotline has facilitated over 50 million safe excavation projects across the state.
Historical Context
In response to decades of utility installations across Wisconsin, the state legislature passed Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 182.0175 in 1974. This legislation required excavators to notify utility owners before digging, laying the foundation for Diggers Hotline’s creation. Established in 1976, Diggers Hotline became Wisconsin’s official one-call center for excavation safety. Its core objectives include:
- Promoting worker and public safety.
- Preventing damage to underground facilities.
- Protecting the environment.
- Ensuring uninterrupted utility and communication services.
Diggers Hotline empowers both professional excavators and homeowners to complete their projects safely.
Early Development and Expansion
Diggers Hotline began as a collaborative effort between organizations like Wisconsin Electric Power Company and the City of Milwaukee, initially serving the Milwaukee Metro area. Rapid demand led to expansion into neighboring counties, and by the early 1980s, it merged with Dane County One-Call to provide statewide service. The organization incorporated as a nonprofit to support its growth and invest in advanced technologies.
As call volumes increased, Diggers Hotline upgraded its facilities and infrastructure to meet growing demand. Key milestones include relocating headquarters to larger facilities, such as the Oaks Building in Wauwatosa and the current location in New Berlin, as well as implementing cutting-edge technology to enhance operations.
Legislative Milestones
In 1995, Wisconsin Act 135 was signed into law, requiring all transmission facility owners to participate in the one-call system. This legislation significantly expanded Diggers Hotline’s membership, which now includes municipalities, state agencies, sewer districts, and utility providers. The result was a more comprehensive safety network for both professional and residential excavators.
In 2018, the state government entrusted Diggers Hotline with leading the first step of a new statewide enforcement process, further solidifying its role as a critical safety resource.
Modern Operations and Recognition
Today, Diggers Hotline processes nearly one million locate requests annually. In 2005, the organization moved to its New Berlin headquarters, transitioning to a fully staffed, in-house call center. Over the years, Diggers Hotline has earned recognition for its contributions to public safety, including the designation of "Diggers Hotline Week" by the Governor of Wisconsin.
Community Impact
Diggers Hotline has become an essential partner for Wisconsin communities, fostering collaboration between excavators, utility providers, and government agencies. By helping to preserve critical infrastructure and protect public safety, the organization plays a vital role in maintaining Wisconsin’s utility systems.
Diggers Hotline also actively engages with industry stakeholders to address challenges and develop solutions for industry-wide utility damage prevention issues.
Conclusion
Contacting Diggers Hotline is more than a legal requirement—it represents a commitment to safety, infrastructure preservation, and community well-being. Whether it’s a contractor breaking ground on a major project or a homeowner planning a small landscaping task, contacting Diggers Hotline ensures excavation work is carried out responsibly and safely.