Our Story: The Mar Á Rio Water Mission and Our Commitment to Trust

The foundation of our brand: Discover the core values behind the Mar Á Rio water mission.

Meet Salim Bakhit and Michael Merry, the co-founders who transformed industry experience into the Mar Á Rio mission.

From Industry Veterans to Conscious Founders

After more than a decade in the water business, we knew there had to be a better way. We're Salim Bakhit and Michael Merry, two friends and co-founders who have witnessed the good, the bad, and the wasteful. We spent years working behind the scenes, learning what people truly want: clean, great-tasting water that doesn’t cost the earth.

Better Water for a Better World

We started Mar Á Rio to change the industry. We were tired of products that made hollow promises, used wasteful packaging, or lacked quality. So, we built a brand of our own—one that's honest, intentional, and deeply committed to doing things right. This is the foundation of the Mar Á Rio water mission.

5% of Profits are Donated to Clean Water Organizations

Proudly support vetted clean water charities, including Helping Hands, The Tijuana River Project, and the Rob Machado Foundation.

The 5% Commitment Supporting the Mar Á Rio Mission Globally

Water with a Global Purpose

More than just premium water: Join the movement powered by the Mar Á Rio water mission.

Our Mission

By choosing Mar Á Rio, you're not just getting premium water; you're joining a movement that supports our core mission. We're proud to donate 5% of our net profits to clean water initiatives, donating to organizations like Helping Hands, The Tijuana River Project, and the Rob Machado Foundation. The Mar Á Rio water mission is to expand our reach, ensuring that clean, safe drinking water is a reality for all the communities we serve.

We are proud to be a member of the Arab American Business Association (AABA), reflecting our commitment to fostering strong ties within the community and upholding shared values of excellence and collaboration, locally and abroad.

Our Name

Mar Á Rio reflects the natural cycle of water and our deep respect for the resource that sustains us all. Every bottle we produce is backed by three core principles: intentional sourcing, eco-conscious design, and a relentless pursuit of quality. This isn't just another water brand; it’s personal.

Now Delivering Water to San Diego & Orange County!

intentional sourcing, eco-conscious design

Offering a selection of the most desired types of water: Spring, Purified, and Alkaline options.

Our Co-Founders

Meet the Visionaries

Salim Bakhit

Co-Founder & CEO

Salim has spent the past 13 years in sustainability and entrepreneurship, giving him a unique understanding of what it takes to deliver premium quality efficiently. Driven by a passion for social impact, he directs the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and global charitable donations.

Michael Merry

Co-Founder & COO

With a background of over a decade in water distribution, water treatment, and logistics, Michael ensures that Mar Á Río’s commitment to “eco-conscious design” is met in every bottle. He oversees all purity and quality assurance, making sure our spring, purified, and alkaline waters meet our gold-medal standards.

Building the Mar Á Rio Mission on Quality and Integrity

Our promise: How we ensure clean, great-tasting water without compromising our commitment to the planet.