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.

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.