The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) issued National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Discharge Permit Number INS040001 to the City of Indianapolis effective October 1, 2004. This annual report is required by the NPDES Permit and is the second annual report under the current permit term.

The city has developed a Stormwater Quality Management Program (SWQMP) under the terms of the permit that now serves as the foundation of the city's stormwater runoff quality control programs and permit compliance. The permit requires that a variety of programs be undertaken by the city. Each of these programs fall under the following seven categories: legal authority, pollution prevention in operations and maintenance, postconstruction runoff control, illicit discharge and improper disposal, industrial runoff control, construction site runoff control, and public participation and education. Within each of these categories, many accomplishments that may directly or indirectly improve water quality and quantity were achieved by the city.