Hillsborough Partners with New Jersey American Water and Sherwin-Williams to Paint Fire Hydrants in Patriotic Designs

Initiative aims to "Turn Hillsborough Red, White, and Blue" for Independence Day 

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. —In a nostalgic nod to America’s Bicentennial in 1976, Hillsborough Township is proud to announce a partnership with New Jersey American Water and Sherwin-Williams to paint 60 Township fire hydrants in patriotic themes by the 4th of July.

The initiative was inspired by community feedback regarding the upcoming American Semiquincentennial. “Earlier this year, we asked Hillsborough residents how they wanted to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” said Mayor Catherine Payne during the May 12th Township Committee meeting. “Several residents recalled when towns painted fire hydrants red, white, and blue for the Bicentennial in 1976. We thought this was the perfect way to bring that spirit to our community.”

To bring the vision to life, Hillsborough reached out to New Jersey American Water and Sherwin-Williams, both of whom moved quickly to support the project. Sherwin-Williams has generously donated the materials for 60 specialized paint kits, which will be given out to the first 60 residents who register. Each kit contains high-quality industrial paint for one of three pre-approved patriotic designs.

“New Jersey American Water is proud to partner with the Hillsborough community and Sherwin-Williams to celebrate this important milestone in our nation’s history,” said Roger Shaffer, Senior Manager of Field Operations for New Jersey American Water in Hillsborough. “Fire hydrants play a critical role in protecting our communities. These designs allow us to honor that essential service while showcasing our national pride.”

To ensure the hydrants remain fully functional and visible for emergency services, the program includes strict operational standards:

• Visibility First: All top sections (caps) of the hydrants must remain white for high visibility.
• Identification: State-required hydrant numbers and plastic unauthorized-use rings must be masked off and remain free of paint.
• Safety Zones: For volunteer safety, eligible hydrants are restricted to residential areas and are not permitted on busy highways or high-traffic roads.
• Design Scope: Designs are limited to three approved patriotic themes. No figures, complex shapes, or political slogans/messages are permitted.

Registration for the project will be open to residents on a first-come, first-served basis. Approved volunteers must sign a liability release and follow a specific "Volunteer Tip Sheet" to ensure the industrial oil-based enamel is applied correctly.

“Sherwin-Williams is proud to support Hillsborough Township as it celebrates 250 years of history and community,” said a statement from the Hillsborough Sherwin-Williams team. “As a local store that has been serving the residents and businesses of Hillsborough, we are thrilled to donate paint and supplies to help make this milestone celebration as vibrant and colorful as the community itself. It’s our way of giving back to a township that has meant so much to us.”

Paint kits will be available to registrants beginning June 1st, with all painting to be completed by July 4th.

“Along with our patriotic house and business decorating contest, our goal is to turn Hillsborough red, white, and blue for Independence Day,” added Deputy-Mayor and 250th Anniversary Committee Liaison Shawn Lipani. Any leftover paint will be used in a Semiquincentennial mural in one of Hillsborough’s parks.

For more information on registration and design templates, please visit the Hillsborough Township website or see the Mayor’s eNews.