Highland sits at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, so its worst water days begin high up and arrive as runoff. According to weather records, a December 2003 rainstorm on the Old Fire burn scar filled 33 of 34 debris basins along the foothills, and a debris flow from City Creek crossed roads in Highland. That is why a storm call here is often about mud and debris, not only water.
Our 24/7 dispatch line covers Highland, and the crews who answer it are based in Loma Linda, and Highland sits roughly 6 to 9 miles to the northeast. It is the farthest of the five towns we serve, so we ask the right emergency questions on the phone before anyone drives.
What the Foothill Storm Season Means for Your House
The regional storms of early 2023 put runoff in normally dry Inland Empire channels, and Hurricane Hilary in August 2023 dropped record rain on the mountains. Neither event is tied to specific Highland damage, so treat them as regional reminders of how fast the weather can change. Heavy rain can still push water against garages, side doors and ground-floor rooms.
Stormwater and mud carry soil, fuel residue and sewage from overflowing lines. Under the ANSI/IICRC S500 standard that is generally Category 3 water, which means porous materials such as carpet, pad and insulation are usually removed rather than dried in place. Our flood damage restoration crews handle the extraction, the mud removal and the drying that follows.
Flood is usually excluded from a standard homeowners policy and needs separate flood coverage. NFIP policies usually take effect 30 days after purchase unless a lender requires one, so the time to check is before the next emergency. Look up your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask your insurer what your current policy covers.
Mud and debris safety
Do not wade through muddy water that may be near outlets, a panel or a garage freezer. Wear boots and gloves, and do not shovel wet mud into drains. If the water came with sewage, stay out and call before you touch anything.
When Water Is Spreading in Highland
If water is moving across a floor right now, that is an emergency, stop the source if you can, shut off the main valve and call dispatch. We take after-hours and same-day requests, and we never promise an arrival time because it depends on the calls ahead of yours. Our emergency water removal crews begin with extraction units and then move to drying.
Stop the source
Close the main shutoff, usually at the front of the lot near the meter or at the house wall. If the water is storm runoff, do not try to stop it. Move your family to higher ground and call dispatch right away.
Mind the power
Switch off power to wet rooms only if the panel is dry and you can reach it without standing in water. If water has touched outlets or a panel, call the utility or 911 before you call us.
Keep out of mud and debris
Mud from an emergency foothill storm can hide nails, broken glass and sewage. Keep children and pets out, wear boots and gloves, and leave deep debris for a crew.
Lift and photograph
Raise small valuables, papers and electronics onto dry counters. Photograph the water line and the damage before anything moves, and keep your receipts for emergency protection.
East Valley Water District or Your House Line
East Valley Water District provides both water and sewer in Highland, East Highlands and parts of San Bernardino. It formed in 1954 as East San Bernardino County Water District, was renamed in 1982 and later took over sewer service from septic tanks. One agency answering for both lines makes the first call easier.
A leak at the meter or in the street main belongs to the district. A burst pipe, failed water heater or backed-up drain inside the house belongs to you, so you call a plumber and a restoration crew. If you cannot tell which side the problem is on, call the district and us at the same time.
Highland, East Highlands and West Highland
Highland incorporated in 1987 and covers about 18.57 square miles with roughly 57,000 residents. Our 92346 coverage takes in the whole city, from the Palm Avenue historic district and the Sam J. Racadio Library area to the Base Line and Greenspot Road corridors. East Highlands and West Highland homes use the same ZIP.
About 64.1 percent of homes are owner occupied, and households average 3.47 people. Bigger households tend to mean more bathrooms, more laundry and more appliances running, which gives a supply line or washer hose more chances to fail.
After the water is out and the mess is cleared, our water damage cleanup crews sanitize, sort belongings and prepare the structure for drying. A slow roof leak or a wall that stayed damp can lead to growth, and that is where mold remediation comes in as a secondary service.
For permits, ask the City of Highland Building and Safety Division whether your repair needs one. We also work in San Bernardino homes to the west and Redlands homes to the southeast, so a crew may already be nearby.
Highland Water Damage Questions
Do you cover every ZIP code in Highland?
Highland has one ZIP, 92346, and we cover it. That includes Highland proper, East Highlands and West Highland, along with the Palm Avenue and Base Line areas. Addresses in neighboring San Bernardino use other ZIPs, which we handle on our San Bernardino page.
Is emergency water removal available in Highland?
Yes. Dispatch runs 24 hours a day, including nights, weekends and holidays. Call our 24/7 emergency line, tell us the source and what the water has touched, and we will explain the next steps. We do not promise an arrival time.
Do you clean up mud and debris after storms in Highland?
Yes. We remove mud and debris, extract standing water, and then dry and sanitize what is left. Storm water is usually treated as Category 3, so expect carpet, pad and low drywall to be removed.
Should I call East Valley Water District or a restoration company first?
If water is coming from the meter or the street, call the district. If it is inside your walls or from an appliance, call a plumber and us. When it is unclear, call both.
Can a roof leak after a storm lead to mold?
Mold needs moisture, and wet insulation or ceiling drywall can hold it for days. Drying within about 24 to 48 hours helps prevent growth. If you already see it, remediation follows ANSI/IICRC S520 practice, and testing questions belong to an independent tester.
Does homeowners insurance cover storm flooding in Highland?
Flood is usually excluded from standard homeowners policies, while other sudden and accidental water damage is often covered. Check your policy and ask your insurer. Keep receipts and photographs, and avoid permanent repairs before the adjuster looks.