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At its November 6 board meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District recognized six community members with “Pure Excellence” awards. The winners—HASA, Inc., Begone Graffiti, Ariel Reed, Walter Haslop, The Grauer School, and Larry Watt—were acknowledged for their significant contributions to OMWD and the local community.

“Tonight, we celebrate our 2024 honorees who are making a difference in our community,” said OMWD Board President Christy Guerin. “We are grateful for their efforts in delivering exceptional service, promoting water use efficiency and the preservation of natural habitat, and providing good leadership.”

OMWD honored Larry Watt with its Presidential Award for 12 years of devoted public service as the representative of Division 2 on OMWD’s Board of Directors. Ratepayers benefited from Mr. Watt’s knowledge from over four decades of public works experience.

The board recognized HASA, Inc. and Begone Graffiti as Businesses of the Year. Each company demonstrated exceptional customer service and responsiveness during urgent situations.

The Grauer School is OMWD’s Customer of the Year for making investments to incorporate recycled water for irrigation into its Encinitas campus. The change will save more than 600,000 gallons of imported drinking water every year. Dr. Stuart Grauer, the school’s founder, also worked to increase awareness of recycled water benefits and water use efficiency at the school and his homeowner association.

Ariel Reed of Escondido Creek Conservancy is OMWD’s Educator of the Year. This past year, Ms. Reed ran the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty program to educate local youth on the need to protect natural habitat. Additionally, she secured a California Coastal Commission grant for an Escondido Creek watershed display in the interpretive center.

Walter Haslop is OMWD’s Volunteer of the Year. Mr. Haslop participates in Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve trail patrols, welcomes guests to its interpretive center, and leads education events and school field trips. He volunteered for 36 shifts over 12 months, including trail maintenance and cleanup projects.