McEwen v. Preece
McEwen v. Preece
Opinion of the Court
During the year 1873 the plaintiff John H. McEwen constructed a ditch from a certain stream called Park Creek upon and across the lands now owned by the defendants, for the purpose of conducting water from the creek to irrigate and reclaim the lands now owned by McEwen and his coplaintiffs. With the exception of a slight change made in the year 1889, the ditch has been used and maintained continuously by the plaintiffs and their predecessor in interest, McEwen, from the date of the original construction up to the present time. This action was brought to enjoin the defendants from obstructing the ditch and interfering with the flow of water therein. The plaintiffs had judgment according to the prayer of their complaint, and the defendants appeal.
The judgment of the court below is therefore affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- J. H. McEwen v. Joseph Preece
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published
- Syllabus
- Waters and Water Courses — Irrigation Ditch — Prescription— Injunction Against Obstruction. Continuous and adverse possession of an irrigation ditch constructed across the lands of another, and used with one slight change for over twenty years under claim of right, establishes a prescriptive right which will be protected by injunction against obstruction of the ditch and interference with the flow of the water.