Dam, rivers and flood questions in Pico Rivera
Pico Rivera's General Plan says Whittier Narrows Dam effectively removed the city from the natural flood plain of the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers, and that the entire city lies within the dam's flood inundation area. Everything except the river channels is FEMA Flood Zone X, and the channels are Zone A. Even Zone X properties can flood, so check the FEMA map for your address and ask your insurer about flood coverage.
The city says the Rio Hondo is in a lined channel, while the San Gabriel River stays natural for several miles below the dam.
Emergency water damage in Pico Rivera
Call (562) 271-5850 at any hour. Crews for water damage restoration Pico Rivera are dispatched from Santa Fe Springs, and the city lies to the northwest. Same-day response is available when crews are free, and no arrival time is promised.
The city's single ZIP is 90660, which appears on every city address.
Water still spreading? The dispatch line is open 24 hours a day.
☎ Call (562) 271-5850If water is still spreading
These steps cover the time before your crew is dispatched.
Main valve first
Turn it clockwise at the house. If a supply line burst, open a low faucet to drain the rest.
Power only if dry
Cut breakers to wet rooms only when the panel is dry and reachable. Call the utility or 911 for any risk of shock.
Lift valuables
Move electronics, files and keepsakes above floor level. Take rugs outside only if the path is dry.
Photos before cleanup
Photograph the source, wet walls and floors, and any ruined items. Note the time you found the damage.
Water supply and sewer lines in Pico Rivera
The city's Water Division, formed as the Pico Rivera Water Authority on May 6, 1999, produces 100 percent of its supply from groundwater through 10 active wells and about 9,400 connections. Outside the city service area, the city refers residents to the Pico Water District and offers an address lookup. Check which provider serves you before calling about a meter-side problem.
The city has operated its own sewer mains and lift stations since July 1, 2014, about 110 miles in total, with Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts running regional trunk lines.
Services for Pico Rivera homes
If a pipe has burst, emergency water removal clears standing water. Water mitigation dries what remains, and water damage cleanup removes wet drywall, carpet and baseboard. Large inflows from storms are covered by flood damage restoration.
Pico Rivera housing and what to expect
The city has about 17,352 housing units, 16,866 households and a 70.5 percent owner-occupied rate. Most households own, so a loss usually means a claim the owner files. The city is compact, with parks such as Smith Park on Rosemead Boulevard and Pico Park on Beverly Boulevard. City Hall and the Sheriff station sit on Passons Boulevard.
Which water, which response
Common Pico Rivera cases sorted by water category.
| Situation | Category | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher supply leak | Category 1 | Extraction, dry toe-kicks and subfloor |
| Slab leak under flooring | Category 1 | Moisture mapping, lift flooring, dry slab |
| Sewer lift-station overflow into street then home | Category 3 | Stay out, extraction, sanitize |
| Storm water entering a garage | Category 2 to 3 | Extraction, remove porous materials |
Categories come from the ANSI/IICRC S500 standard.
Permits at the Pico Rivera Building Division
The Building Division is at 6615 Passons Boulevard. The city says the need for a residential permit depends on several factors, electrical and plumbing work almost always requires one, and water heater change-outs are Express Permit types. Water damage itself is not mentioned, so ask the division before rebuilding.
What the dam work means for neighbors
The Army Corps of Engineers rated Whittier Narrows Dam very high urgency in 2016, and the city expects significant construction to begin in 2026. The city expects to lose about 67 percent of its parks and open space during the work. Pico Rivera Golf Club, Streamland Park and Bicentennial Park will close indefinitely. If water issues arise near construction, report them to the city.
Nearby cities we also serve
To the northeast, see water damage in Whittier. To the southwest, see our Downey page. Licensed and insured, with scope and price explained before work starts.
Pico Rivera on the map
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Pico Rivera uses one ZIP, 90660, for every city address including City Hall, Smith Park and the library, and we cover all of it.
Yes. The 24/7 line is open nights and weekends, with same-day response when crews are free. No arrival time is promised.
The General Plan puts everything except the river channels in Zone X and the channels in Zone A, but check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for your address. Zone X properties can still flood.
Yes. The city's Water Division produces 100 percent of its supply from groundwater, using 10 active wells. If you are outside the service area, the city refers you to the Pico Water District.
Water heater change-outs are listed as Express Permit types, and electrical and plumbing work almost always requires a permit. Contact the Building Division at 6615 Passons Boulevard.
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood. Flood coverage is separate through NFIP and takes 30 days to take effect unless a lender requires it. Check your policy and ask your insurer.