While she never envisioned herself working in the bottled water industry, a combination of natural curiosity, family ties, and chance timing inspired a newfound passion in Sara Couch, along with a calling to share the power of this transformative water, Splendor, with the world.
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SPLENDOR® Water, is a unique new brand of bottled mineral water. This volcanic, artesian water is sourced from La Maná, Ecuador and it boasts an array of natural properties that promote optimal health, including naturally occurring minerals, electrolytes, and colloidal gold and silver.
Born and raised in High Point, NC, Sara Couch earned her BA in Psychology and Child Policy Research from Duke University in 2014, followed by an MS in Early Childhood and Special Education from Hunter College. From working in special education in the Bronx to leading fundraising for education policy and advocacy in the nonprofit space, Sara has always felt driven to impact change and make a difference. Sara recently completed a Bilingual MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain, where she deepened her business knowledge in both of her native languages in preparation for SPLENDOR® Water’s further expansion into additional Latin American countries.
Sara was first introduced to SPLENDOR® Water in 2013 while visiting family in Colombia for the holidays. A family friend (and medical practitioner of alternative/energy healing) was treating Sara’s grandmother, who suffered from severe Alzheimer’s at the time. Sara witnessed the water’s powerful story in action and was intrigued, having always been drawn to alternative and integrative medicine. Upon learning more about the water’s unique properties, history, and benefits, she became committed to sharing its powerful story with the world and so began her mission alongside her father, David Couch, Founder and Owner of Summerfield Farms, one of North Carolina’s premier destinations and event venues.
Sourced from a natural aquifer, SPLENDOR® Water filters over centuries through basalt and lava from the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the world’s tallest active volcanoes, believed to be among the strongest energetic centers of the world due to its unique equatorial positioning. Local communities across South America have long touted the water for its powerful properties in improving overall health and energy levels, which the Couch family learned of after speaking with local doctors and healing practitioners and through extensive conversations with their SPLENDOR® counterparts in Ecuador.
The water’s historic prevalence came to light in the 1980s when scientist Guillermo Sotomayor discovered the water source alongside archaeological findings of over 300 ancient artifacts. One such artifact was a stone pyramid believed by ancient civilizations to be a “cosmic antenna” activated in areas of energetic significance. Coupled with testimonials of the water’s restorative properties, Sotomayor’s discoveries led him and his partners to study the water scientifically, uncovering its molecular structure, energy, and unique qualities.
“I was incredibly inspired by the historical significance and local passion surrounding this intriguing water source--I knew I wanted to learn more and be a part of sharing its story with our amazing team both here and in Ecuador,” says Couch. “Rigorous tests have revealed an extremely low level of TDS (total dissolved solids), at just 31 mg/L, an abundance of naturally occurring electrolytes, and low surface tension, which are all thought to aid the body in overall hydration and detoxification. SPLENDOR® Water ranks among the top 10 purest waters in the world, and it’s the only known water source on earth to contain both naturally occurring colloidal gold and silver.”
Another unique component of the product is its signature indigo blue bottle, which aids in preserving the water’s inherent properties. The bottles are available in four sizes to accommodate customer preference: 1.5-liter, 1 liter, 750 milliliter, and 500 milliliters. As part of the company’s commitment to sustainability, SPLENDOR® Water is bottled in 100% rPET plastic bottles made from recycled materials, as well as in two glass bottle presentations: 350ml and 750ml, with the 350ml coming for sale in 2024.
“A major priority at SPLENDOR® is to consciously approach the sustainability and overall environmental impact of our product and company while preserving the pristine nature and unique properties of this historic water,” says Couch. “In addition to using recycled plastic, we’ve partnered with local organizations in Ecuador to institute a ‘Recycle & Return’ program to maximize the life cycle of our bottles and promote conscious behavior from our customers. We are committed to recovering and reusing at least 80% of our bottles.”
SPLENDOR® Water is Smart Planet Certified and is a member of 1% Percent For The Planet, which recognizes brands that contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes. Through 1%, Splendor has partnered with various organizations in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands to promote biodiversity, reforestation, and support education programs that empower our next generation to protect our planet and its precious resources.