Alpine's water system, its hillside, and what that means for your home
Alpine City runs its own culinary water, pressurized irrigation, sewer and storm drain services through city Utility Billing. So when water shows up where it should not, the first question is which system it came from. A leaking culinary line, a failed irrigation fitting and a clogged storm inlet each call for a different phone number and a different fix.
The state conservation plan the city submitted describes pressurized irrigation that serves about 98 percent of users, and it notes that average lots here are larger than in most Utah cities. Longer irrigation runs mean more pipe to leak behind a retaining wall or under a lawn. The same plan warns that pressure reducing valve (PRV) failures can damage downstream infrastructure, which for you can mean a crawl space or basement taking on water from a line you never see.
Sourced events, not a flood claim
An April 2023 city newsletter told residents to close their main valves before irrigation startup around April 15, to prevent flooding from unknown leaks. It also reported record snowpack, 25,000 sandbags on hand with 10,000 more ordered, and a reminder to keep gutters and catch basins clear. Those were preparations. We found no record of an Alpine flood that spring, and this page does not claim one.
The burn-scar history is also sourced. The Quail Fire started on July 3, 2012 in the hills above Alpine. On September 7, 2013, the National Weather Service recorded 0.75 inch of rain in 15 minutes at the burn scar, about 12 Alpine homes flooded, and three debris basins at the base of Box Elder Canyon were overrun. Afterward the city and NRCS finished a berm project to channel runoff behind homes, built for a 100-year storm.
The practical lesson is that short, intense rain on bare slopes moves mud fast, and a berm lowers the risk without removing it. Snowmelt and clogged drainage can still push water against a foundation. If you live on a slope, know where your window wells and basement doors sit relative to the runoff path.
When water is spreading in Alpine
- Shut off the source. For a supply line or irrigation break, close the main valve for that system.
- Turn off power to wet areas only if you can reach the panel without standing in water. If you see sparks, smell gas or the water is near outlets, call the utility or 911 first.
- Lift valuables, electronics and papers onto tables or upper shelves.
- Keep people and pets out of water that may be contaminated, including anything that came up through a drain or in from outdoors.
- Call (385) 988-9410 so we can plan equipment while you document the damage with photos.
Know your main valve
Find the culinary shutoff and the irrigation shutoff before you need them. Tag both so anyone in the house can find them.
Clear a path
Move furniture and boxes away from wet walls and floors so crews can stage extraction units and air movers quickly.
Photos first
Capture the affected rooms and the source before cleanup starts. Your insurer will ask what the damage looked like.
Do not run the vacuum
A household vacuum on standing water is a shock risk. Mop up small spills only, and leave the rest to extraction equipment.
What to expect from us
Round-the-clock dispatch
Emergency dispatch is available around the clock from our Draper base, including nights and weekends.
Moisture mapped
Moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras show where water went behind walls and under floors.
Structured drying
Air movers and LGR dehumidifiers dry the structure, with readings logged until materials reach target levels.
Clear scope
Scope and price are explained before work starts, and we are licensed and insured.
Services ordered by what Alpine needs most
Irrigation-line leaks and burst pipes come first. Our emergency water removal crews extract standing water, then water mitigation takes over to dry the structure, which matters because the EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to limit mold growth.
Burn-scar and snowmelt runoff is a different job. Mud-laden or outdoor water is treated as contaminated, so flood damage restoration covers removal of affected materials and cleaning. Large Alpine homes mean more rooms to dry and more materials to sort, and water damage cleanup handles sanitizing and the final tear-out once drying is done.
Water in an Alpine home right now?
Call (385) 988-9410. Dispatch is open 24/7.
We also serve nearby towns. If you are comparing coverage, see our pages for Sandy and South Jordan, which are other towns served, or browse the full service area.
What drives the cost of an Alpine job
Size of the affected area
Large floor plans and finished basements mean more equipment and more drying days.
Water category
Clean supply water is simpler than gray or black water under the S500 standard. Runoff and sewage need more removal and cleaning.
Materials involved
Hardwood, custom cabinetry and drywall behave differently. Some can be dried, others must be replaced.
Insurance is general here, so check your policy and ask your insurer. Sudden and accidental water damage is often covered, while gradual leaks and neglect often are not. The Utah Insurance Department says flood and mudflow are usually excluded from standard homeowners policies and need separate flood coverage, which usually carries a 30 day waiting period.
Alpine permits and utility contacts
Alpine City Hall is at 20 North Main, and the Building Department can be reached for permit questions when repairs involve structural work. For sewer concerns, the city collects it and Timpanogos Special Service District treats the wastewater, so a backup in your line starts with the city.
Sources: Alpine City departments, Alpine 2025 Water Conservation Plan (Utah Division of Water Resources), Alpine April 2023 newsletter, KSL on the September 2013 flooding, Utah Insurance Department flood FAQ
Common questions
Do you cover every ZIP code in Alpine?
Alpine uses ZIP 84004, and that is the ZIP this page covers. Neighboring Highland and Cedar Hills have their own ZIP codes and are not part of this page, so call (385) 988-9410 and we will tell you if we can help there.
Is emergency water removal available in Alpine?
Yes. Alpine is a Utah County town served from our Draper dispatch base, and the line is open 24/7. We do not promise an arrival time, but we offer same-day response when available. See emergency water removal for the process.
Who do I call for an irrigation line break versus a house leak?
Alpine City runs both culinary water and pressurized irrigation, so the city is the contact for the supply side. Once water is inside your home, call us at (385) 988-9410 to extract and dry it.
Does my insurance cover mud from a hillside runoff event?
Usually not under a standard policy. Flood and mudflow are generally excluded and need separate coverage, so read your policy and ask your insurer. We can document the damage and explain the scope of work.