Happy Hydrants Return to Belmont

The MPWD and the City of Belmont are bringing back the popular community art program.

Some of Belmont’s most beloved pieces of public art are making a comeback! The Mid-Peninsula Water District is partnering with the City of Belmont to bring back the Happy Hydrant program, inviting the community to transform select fire hydrants into colorful works of art.

The original Happy Hydrants were painted in the 1970s to celebrate Belmont’s 50th anniversary and the U.S. Bicentennial. For nearly five decades, these creative hydrants have added personality and charm to Belmont’s streets. Many of the original Happy Hydrants still remain in our system, which you can see below. Now, as the City celebrates its centennial, the program has returned with new opportunities for community members to participate.

Through the program, artists, schools, and community groups can apply to paint selected hydrants located in visible areas around Belmont. While the artwork brings creativity to neighborhood streets, the hydrants remain a critical part of the District’s water infrastructure and must stay fully visible and operational for emergency use.

The City of Belmont is coordinating applications and design approvals, and MPWD is preparing hydrants and ensuring all safety and operational requirements are met.

Community members interested leaving their mark on the City and the MPWD water system are encouraged to apply through the City at their Centennial Celebration page.