diff --git a/rust/numaflow-core/src/watermark/idle/source.rs b/rust/numaflow-core/src/watermark/idle/source.rs
index 0c125f5251..1405b67066 100644
--- a/rust/numaflow-core/src/watermark/idle/source.rs
+++ b/rust/numaflow-core/src/watermark/idle/source.rs
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ mod tests {
 
         // Update and fetch idle watermark with computed_wm = -1
         let idle_wm = manager.update_and_fetch_idle_wm(-1);
-        assert!(idle_wm > 0);
+        assert_eq!(idle_wm, -1);
 
         // Update and fetch idle watermark with a valid computed_wm
         let idle_wm = manager.update_and_fetch_idle_wm(1000);