Washington Water Co. v. Parrett , 4 Ohio Law. Abs. 477 ( 1926 )

PER CURIAM:

Prank Parrett brought an action against the Washington Water Co. in the Fayette Common Pleas seeking to enjoin the Company from building a dam in Paint Creek. He alleged that if the dam was constructed, it would cause the water to overflow his land, and render it boggy so as to interfere with drainage; thus making the land unfit for cultivation and pasturage.

Attorneys — John Logan, Washington; Joseph S. Graydon and Maxwell & Ramsey, Cincinnati for Company; A. E. Clevenger, Cleveland, and John W. Peck, Cincinnati for Parrett.

The case was removed to the United States District Court hy the defendant and Parrett filed a supplemental petition setting forth that the dam was constructed; and he prayed for a mandatory order requiring the Company to remove the dam.

The trial court found that the dam in time of freshets delayed the subsidence of water and created some appreciable damage, though slight, to Parrett’s land. The Company was ordered to remove the dam or so correct and alter it as to carry off the water without backing it into Parrett’s land. The Company appealed and the Circuit Court held:

1. The removal of the dam would entail a heavy loss upon the Water Co., wholly disproportinate to the damage that would result to Parrett’s land.

2. No directions were given in regard to altering the dam, nor does it otherwise appear that any reasonable alteration thereof, less than complete destruction, would prevent the slight damage to Parrett’s property.

3. To require destruction of the dam is inequitable, because of slight damage to Parrett’s land, for which he may be reimbursed in damages.

4. Decree vacated and cause remanded, District Court to ascertain and assess damages; or if plaintiff so elects the damages may be ascertained as in an action at law.