Stopping Leaks, Starting Savings with CEP and the Portland Water Bureau
Stopping Leaks, Starting Savings with CEP and the Portland Water Bureau
April 8, 2026 Partnership, Home
Community Energy Project (CEP) is a leader in energy efficiency, helping low-income households access upgrades that improve comfort, affordability, and climate resilience. But there’s another way that CEP is creating savings for households and for the planet – leak repair. In just one year, CEP and the Portland Water Bureau (PWB)saved over 7 million gallons of water.This translates to $87,000 saved by homeowners.
Water bills can be just as impactful as energy bills for households living on a low or fixed income. A water leak can lead to higher bills and an expensive quote from a plumber to complete the repair. In partnership with PWB, CEP is able to remove the financial barrier for leak repair.
The Home Water Leak Repair Program can address:
Toilets
Faucets
Showerheads and tub spouts
Outdoor spigots
Leaks in water pipes (like those in your walls or underground)
Inefficient washing machines
“I’m happy there are people who can come around and help those of us who aren’t able to afford it,” shared one leak repair client.
Other clients like Ruth B. have received both leak repairs and energy upgrades. “I get speechless thinking about all that’s been done,” she said. In addition to the replacement of her yard hydrant and the installation of a water pressure reducing valve, CEP remediated mold, installed new insulation, replaced the exhaust fans, and installed a mini-split heat pump and electric water heater.
This scope is a unique feature of this partnership. “The Portland Water Bureau’s partnership with CEP has not only allowed us to reach more households with leak repair assistance, but has also connected our program clients to other services through CEP programs,” said Maren Schermer, Home Water Leak Repair Program Coordinator, Portland Water Bureau.
“A customer may come into our program with a water leak, but can also work with CEP to get energy upgrades or other critical home repairs that they need. In my experience, CEP approaches every situation with sensitivity and respect and meets the client where they are at, thereby building trust. Our program is stronger because of our partnership with CEP!” added Maren.
While the Home Water Leak Repair Program is designed specifically for homeowners, PWB also supports CEP’s Weatherization Workshops, ensuring that renters have access to water conservation knowledge and materials. Thanks to PWB, workshop participants receive a low-flow shower head, a low-flow kitchen faucet aerator, a low-flow bathroom faucet aerator, two toilet leak detection kits, and a shower timer.
“While our main focus may be on energy conservation and comfort, we know that water conservation is directly tied to energy conservation and have found the additional content lands extremely well with participants,” said Lena Karam, Climate Resilience Coordinator at CEP.
Following the workshop, two-thirds of participants rated their knowledge of water conservation at a four or higher on a five-point scale. One participant described how they put this knowledge into practice at home: “As was suggested in class, every time I need to run water to get to the temperature I want, I use the bucket to catch the waste water and then water my garden.”
With drought conditions intensifying across Oregon, efforts like these aren’t just about saving money; they’re essential steps toward building long-term climate resilience for local households.
Apply for the Home Water Leak Repair Program by visiting PWB’s website or by calling CEP at 971-544-8702. Visit CEP’s event calendar to register for the next Weatherization Workshop.
