What are the Consequences of Failing to Comply?

If your property has a backflow prevention device, compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential. Skipping required testing, repairs, or recordkeeping can trigger far more than a slap on the wrist.

From fines and water service shutoffs to legal liability and reputational damage, the consequences add up quickly.

At Atlas Backflow Services, our Backflow Maintence program is designed to help you avoid these risks, keep your water safe, and stay in good standing with your water authority.What is backflow—and why compliance matters Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow that can pull contaminants into drinking water.

Common sources include irrigation systems, fire sprinklers, boilers, and industrial processes. Most jurisdictions require annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies by certified testers, prompt repairs when devices fail, and timely submission of test reports.

Proper backflow maintenance protects public health, and compliance is how regulators enforce it.

Top consequences of failing to comply If you miss a test deadline, ignore a failed device, or skip report submissions, you may face:

• Fines and citations: Many water authorities issue escalating penalties for late tests or missing reports. Fees can accrue monthly and become more costly than routine Backflow Maintence.

• Water service interruption: Noncompliance can lead to a red tag on your assembly or a shutoff notice. Water service interruptions halt business operations and create emergency conditions in multi-tenant buildings.

• Stop-work orders and permit delays: Failed compliance can stall construction closeouts, occupancy certificates, and tenant improvements. Even routine inspections can fail due to outstanding backflow issues.

• Increased liability: If contamination occurs, property owners and managers can face negligence claims, lawsuits, and potential personal liability. Insurance carriers may deny claims related to preventable lapses or raise premiums after incidents.

• Reputational damage: For restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and manufacturers, a compliance failure can erode public trust—especially if it leads to a boil water advisory or media coverage.

• Higher long-term costs: Skipping routine Backflow Maintence often turns small fixes into expensive repairs. Emergency remediation—flushing, sampling, chlorination, device replacement, and retesting—costs far more than scheduled upkeep.

• Code upgrades triggered by delays: When devices go too long without service, replacement parts may be unavailable or the assembly may need to be replaced to meet current code, increasing expense and downtime.

• Operational risks: Sensitive systems (boilers, process water, labs) can be damaged by pressure or flow issues caused by neglected devices. Unexpected failures disrupt production and tenant operations.

• Contract and lease violations: Many leases and vendor contracts require regulatory compliance. Noncompliance can expose owners and managers to penalties or breach-of-lease claims.

• Audit and recordkeeping gaps: Missing test tags, outdated inventories, and incomplete reports can trigger deeper audits from water purveyors, leading to more scrutiny and potential penalties.