Last Updated 08/14/2026
Who Manages the Stormwater?
Fort Wayne’s Stormwater Utility has responsibility for operating, maintaining and improving an extensive system of open waterways and enclosed storm sewer lines. This system exists to collect the rainwater that runs off yards, roofs, streets and parking lots and carry it away from neighborhoods to nearby rivers. Without a stormwater collection system, every rainstorm could turn into a flood. Thanks to the stormwater system, when Fort Wayne’s rivers flood it is usually caused by runoff from areas upstream, not poor drainage within the City.
The stormwater system contains more than 600 miles of sewer lines, ditches, open channel and drains. It drains more than 68 square miles and serves approximately 72,200 residential and commercial customers inside the boundaries of Fort Wayne. Portions of the system, like the brick sewer lines in the central city area, were built in the mid-to late-1800s. These aging brick sewers are one of the problems facing as we work to maintain and improve the system because they need ongoing inspection and repair.
The utility must also ensure that Fort Wayne meets state and federal requirements for improving the quality of stormwater runoff. Because most stormwater receives no treatment before it goes into a stream, lake or river, it is important that we keep as many pollutants as before it goes into a stream, lake or river, it is important that we keep as many pollutants as possible out of stormwater runoff. Efforts to address this pollution runoff are outlined in the City’s Stormwater Quality Management Plan.
Excerpt from Stormwater Ordinance
Chapter 53: Stormwater Management Department
53.30 INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND REPORTING.
(A) Upon the approval of the SWPPP and the issuance of all other required permits and approvals by the DSM the following shall occur during the period of construction activities:
(1) The BSM, or its designee, shall have the authority to conduct inspections of the site to ensure full compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, the design standards and technical specifications by the BSM and the terms and conditions of the approved SWPPP.
(2) A self-monitoring program shall be implemented by the project site owner to ensure the stormwater pollution prevention plan is working effectively. The program must include the following:
(a) A trained individual shall perform an inspection and prepare a written evaluation of the project site:
- By the end of the next business day following each 0.5 inch of rain; and
- At a minimum of one time per week.
(b) The evaluation must:
- Address the maintenance of existing stormwater quality measures to ensure they are functioning properly; and
- Identify additional measures necessary to remain in compliance with all applicable laws and ordinances.
(c) Written evaluation reports must include:
- The name of the individual performing the evaluation;
- The date of the evaluation;
- Problems identified at the project site; and
- Details of corrective actions recommended and completed.
(d) All evaluation reports for the project site must be made available to the inspecting authority within forty-eight (48) hours of a request.
(e) Sites that are issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for non-compliance with an approved SWPPP will be charged for time spent on each re-inspection until the site is brought into compliance in accordance with the table set forth in § 53.63.
(B) Upon completion of the construction activities the following shall occur perpetually in accordance with the SWPPP regardless of site usage and land ownership:
(1) All constructed stormwater quality facilities shall be maintained by the property owner, or per agreements on file with the DSM, and be in good condition and in accordance with the approved SWPPP operation and maintenance procedures and schedules and the BSM approved technical standards.
(2) The approved stormwater quality facilities shall not be subsequently altered, revised or replaced except in accordance with the approved SWPPP or in accordance with DSM approved amendments or revisions to the SWPPP.
(3) The BSM, or its designee, shall have the authority to conduct inspections of the site and the installed BMPs to ensure full compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, the design standards and technical specifications approved by the BSM and terms and conditions of the SWPPP.
§ 53.45 POLLUTANT REDUCTION THROUGH THE USE OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Fort Wayne's stormwater system, and why does it matter for property owners?
The city manages more than 600 miles of sewer lines, ditches and open channels, draining over 68 square miles and serving roughly 72,200 residential and commercial customers. Some of the central city’s brick sewer lines date back to the mid-to-late 1800s, which means aging infrastructure is an ongoing maintenance priority for the utility itself, not just something private property owners have to worry about. When Fort Wayne’s rivers flood, it’s usually runoff from areas upstream rather than a failure of the city’s own drainage system.
What does Fort Wayne's self-monitoring program actually require during construction?
A trained individual has to inspect the site and prepare a written evaluation by the end of the next business day after every half-inch of rain, and at least once a week regardless of rainfall. Each evaluation has to confirm existing stormwater quality measures are functioning properly and flag anything else needed to stay compliant, and the written report has to name the inspector, the date, any problems found and what corrective action was taken or recommended. Every one of those reports has to be available to the city within 48 hours of a request.
What happens if a Fort Wayne construction site gets a Notice of Violation?
Beyond the notice itself, the site gets billed for the city’s time on every re-inspection until it’s brought back into compliance. That’s a direct financial consequence layered on top of the standard notice-and-cure process, so an unresolved SWPPP violation keeps costing money with each follow-up visit rather than just sitting as an open compliance flag.
Who maintains a stormwater quality facility in Fort Wayne after construction wraps up?
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
