Residents of Fate, Texas, are scratching their heads over a bizarre letter they recently received, demanding annual backflow prevention inspections for homes with on-site septic systems. At first glance, the letter seems like an obvious scam. It arrives from a P.O. Box in Rockwall, TX, rather than an official city address. Instead of being addressed to specific homeowners, it is generically sent to “Current Water Customer.” The letter declares itself an “Official Notice” but fails to name any specific water authority, simply referring to a vague “Water Purveyor.”
Adding to the suspicion, the letter directs homeowners to www.sctrackingsolutions.com to choose a service provider from what appears to be a pay-to-play listing, much like Angie’s List. Nowhere in the document does it explicitly state that the City of Fate is behind this requirement.
If that weren’t enough, the second page of the letter is even more dubious. It features a blurry black-and-white copy of the City of Fate’s logo, as if someone photocopied it multiple times. The letter is signed with a digital signature from Matt Holcomb, Assistant Public Works Director, but the text is riddled with awkward wording and grammatical errors. It states that while the City has not historically enforced backflow prevention inspections, it is now updating its procedures to comply with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations.
Given all these red flags, most reasonable residents will likely assume this letter is a scam and toss it in the trash. And that’s where the real trouble begins. According to city officials, this is a legitimate notice, and failing to comply could result in citations and fines. When pressed, officials could not specify the fine amount, but past reporting from the Fate Tribune has shown how the city has expanded its enforcement powers. Ordinance No. O-2023-022 gives department directors—including Public Works—the authority to issue citations for perceived violations, which could eventually lead to municipal court appearances, fines, or even liens on properties.
This situation sets up residents for failure. The city sends out a letter that looks fake, knowing full well that many will discard it, only to then issue citations for non-compliance. It is a textbook case of government overreach, a bureaucratic trap disguised as official policy.
Many Fate residents will be caught off guard when they receive a citation for an ordinance they were never properly informed about. Thanks to the Fate City Council and the leadership of City Manager Michael Kovacs, residents are now at the mercy of a system that punishes them for ignoring what any reasonable person would assume is junk mail.
This new policy also amounts to an added tax on residents who do not pay sewage fees directly to the city. Those with septic systems already pay anywhere from $300 per year for annual inspections, with some required to conduct quarterly inspections at an even higher cost. Now, with this backflow prevention inspection mandate, they will be forced to pay an additional $80 to $150 annually.
Even more concerning is the potential financial burden if a homeowner fails the inspection. If their backflow prevention device is deemed non-compliant with current code, they will be required to upgrade to a newer system. These replacements can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000, including installation. What initially appears to be a routine inspection could quickly snowball into a significant, unexpected expense for homeowners who have already invested in maintaining their own wastewater systems.
Fortunately, Fate residents will have an opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box. This May, at least two City Council seats and the Mayor’s position will be up for election, with applications for those positions already being submitted. Citizens should take note of policies like this when deciding whom to support, ensuring that their elected officials truly represent the best interests of the community.