WPS, Green Bay Metro Fire Department, Green Bay Water sharing important safety step ahead of 811 Day

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS), Green Bay Metro Fire Department and Green Bay Water are teaming up to share a crucial reminder ahead of National 811 Day on Aug. 11 (8/11) to help keep communities safe. The organizations are urging residents to call 811 at least three days before they dig.

Calling 811 is an important safety precaution that allows utilities like Green Bay Water and WPS to mark the location of underground lines. It keeps first responders like the Green Bay Metro Fire Department safe and prevents damage to vital infrastructure.

A Green Bay Metro Fire Department firefighter speaks with TV news crews in a parking lot near a digging site.

A large WPS box truck parked along a street near a backhoe digging in a grassy area.

A WPS worker using a backhoe to dig a hole in a grassy area near a street.

WPS natural gas mechanics dig a hole with a backhoe and shovels near a residential street.

National 811 Day is an initiative that is recognized each year on Aug. 11 (8/11). It’s designed to raise awareness of the importance of calling 811 before starting any work that involves digging.

Digging without dialing 811 can lead to significant consequences. A nationwide study by the Common Ground Alliance found that more than 27 million people will not call 811 before they dig this year. In northeast and north-central Wisconsin, more than 100 WPS underground lines have been damaged since 2024 because someone didn’t call 811 three days before digging. These instances put residents and communities at risk of utility outages, costly repairs and serious injuries.

Whether you’re planting a garden or installing a fence, it’s important to have the location of underground utilities marked to keep yourself and your family safe. Calling 811 or going to diggershotline.com is easy, it’s free, and it’s the law.