Lewisville Flood Cleanup and Water Damage Restoration on the Lake

A City Shaped by Lewisville Lake

Few North Texas cities are as tied to water as Lewisville. About 6.2 of its 43.2 square miles, roughly 14 percent, is water. Lewisville Lake, created by a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam completed in the mid-1950s, sits along the north side of the city and serves both as flood control and as a water supply for Dallas and its suburbs.

The Elm Fork of the Trinity River feeds the lake and forms a delta nearly 7 miles long at its southern end. Prairie Creek and Timber Creek wind through town, and a riparian corridor covers part of southeast Lewisville. The lake also drove the city's growth: population climbed from about 24,000 in 1980 to nearly 112,000 by 2020, helped by the opening of DFW Airport in 1974.

That geography means water damage in Lewisville can come from rising creeks as well as the usual storm leaks and plumbing failures.

Timber Creek, the Elm Fork Delta and Zone AE

During heavy rain, Timber Creek can overflow its banks, and on rare occasions it has flooded some nearby homes. FEMA has mapped much of the area around the Elm Fork delta as Zone AE, a special flood hazard area subject to 100-year flood precautions.

Lewisville's rainfall peaks twice a year, in May and again in October, and the city averages close to 38 inches annually. Intense storms during those peaks are when creeks and low streets are most likely to flood.

• Check your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
• Move cars, tools and stored items off garage floors when heavy rain is forecast.
• Never drive or walk through moving water.
• If creek water enters the home, treat it as Category 3 contaminated water.

Contaminated water calls for professional flood cleanup, which includes removing soaked drywall and flooring and sanitizing surfaces before drying begins.

The Dam Next Door: What Residents Should Know

Lewisville Dam stretches more than 32,000 feet. In 2015, a sand boil at the dam raised concern about its long-term safety. The Corps of Engineers approved a $150 million repair and upgrade project in 2017, finished its seepage work in August 2021, and began a multiyear spillway upgrade that same year.

For most homeowners, the practical takeaway is simple: know your flood zone, sign up for official alerts, and keep a plan for leaving quickly if officials ever call for it. Denton County Emergency Management sends notices through Denton County Alerts, and the county maintains an outdoor warning system for severe weather.

Wind, Hail and Freeze Damage Off the Lake

Lewisville is considered part of Tornado Alley, and strong winds can build quickly over open water. Hurricane Carla in 1961 brought 86 mph winds and 6-foot swells on Lewisville Lake. Spring thunderstorms and hail regularly damage roofs and siding across the region.

Hard freezes are a separate threat. In February 2021, the DFW area stayed at or below freezing for 139 straight hours, and pipes burst in homes across Texas. Insulate exposed lines and drip faucets during extreme cold.

For storm damage cleanup in Lewisville, a restoration crew can tarp openings, remove wet insulation and drywall, and dry the structure. Call (888) 817-5061 to be connected with local providers, or read about storm damage cleanup.

What To Do When Water Is Coming In

1. Protect people first. If floodwater is rising, move to higher ground and follow official instructions.
2. Cut the source. For plumbing leaks, close the main valve. For a roof leak, place buckets and move valuables away.
3. Watch for electrical risk. Do not enter flooded rooms or garages where outlets, panels or appliances are underwater.
4. Take pictures. Capture water levels, the source and damaged items before cleanup.
5. Call for help. Reach a local restoration company through (888) 817-5061 to start water extraction.

Extraction, Drying and Rebuilding

After a creek flood or a large plumbing leak, restoration usually moves in stages. First, crews pump or extract standing water and haul out saturated carpet, pad and debris. With floodwater, drywall is commonly cut a foot or more above the water line so insulation and framing can be cleaned and dried.

Dehumidifiers and air movers then run with daily moisture checks, the heart of structural drying. Once readings are normal, repairs begin: drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinets and paint. Offices, warehouses and shops in Old Town or around Vista Ridge can arrange staged work to keep part of the space open. Before hiring, Lewisville owners can ask each provider to describe its licensing, insurance coverage and staff training, including IICRC certification.

Mold Cleanup in Lewisville and TDLR Licensing

Homes near the lake and creeks can stay damp after a flood, and EPA guidance says mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet materials. Drying fast and drying completely are the best defenses.

Texas sets clear rules for bigger jobs. TDLR licenses mold assessors and remediators, and work on 25 contiguous square feet or more of mold generally requires a license. The assessment and the remediation must be done by separate parties, and the homeowner should receive a Certificate of Mold Remediation within 10 days after the work is finished. Learn about containment on our mold removal page.

Flood Insurance Matters More Near the Water

Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood, so homes near Timber Creek or in the Elm Fork delta's Zone AE should look closely at NFIP or private flood coverage. A new NFIP policy usually has a 30-day waiting period, so buy it well before a stormy season.

For plumbing leaks, the Texas Attorney General notes that most Texas homeowner policies focus on sudden and accidental water damage and may limit mold coverage. Report claims promptly and keep photos, drying logs and invoices. When you need help, call (888) 817-5061 any time, day or night.

Lewisville Areas and Surrounding Lake Communities

Our free 24/7 referral line connects callers across Lewisville, including Castle Hills, and in the towns around Lewisville Lake with independent local restoration companies.

Neighborhoods

• Old Town
• Castle Hills
• Vista Ridge

Nearby communities

• Flower Mound
• Carrollton
• Highland Village
• The Colony
• Lake Dallas
• Coppell
• Denton
• Hickory Creek

Local emergency and flood resources

Official sources for alerts, flood maps and preparedness in and around Lewisville:

• Denton County Emergency Notifications (Denton County Alerts)
• Denton County Outdoor Warning System
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center