PIQUA – Years after the rumor that Piqua is “connected to unsafe drinking water due to toxic metal pipes,” the City of Piqua still finds themselves clarifying.

Examples include the 1st annual Piqua Mall Memorial Parade, where Mayor Kathyrn Hinds rode on a float displaying a banner that read “Piqua has safe water for drinking!” Days later, a billboard was erected off I-75 that read “You Can Drink A Nice Glass Of Water Here.”

In 2017, Piqua shamelessly claimed that their water was the “best in Ohio” upon the opening of a new water treatment plant. For further emphasis, the City’s legendary “Rumors and Trending Topics” webpage also clarifies that they are “confident in the safety of Piqua’s drinking water.” Though confidence is key, some locals are becoming skeptical. 

“I haven’t had any issues with the water here, but the City keeps talking about it. But I think we’re good, right?” said Piqua local Raychel McDougle. 

Even more eyebrows were raised upon news that “Cafe Agua,” a taxpayer funded “water drinking lounge,” has plans to open shop in downtown Piqua. Just about any business is welcomed in the desperate downtown limits, but this one has locals scratching their heads.

“Water is free in most restaurants. Why would I go pay for water when I know Piqua serves the finest tap?” asked Richard Jenkins IV of Piqua. “It all just seems like they’re driving awareness by over-apologizing for past issues with lead poisoning. I’m ready to move on.”

Regardless of any confusion, the City of Piqua is hard-on determined to take water safety to the next level, both in storefronts and local pipelines. Subscribe to the Miami County Bugle Caller for more updates on public health and safety in your community.