{ "id": 8660933, "name": "GEER v. THE DURHAM WATER COMPANY", "name_abbreviation": "Geer v. Durham Water Co.", "decision_date": "1900-12-19", "docket_number": "", "first_page": "349", "last_page": "355", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "127 N.C. 349" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C.", "id": 9292, "name": "Supreme Court of North Carolina" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "78 N. C., 156", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8688147 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/78/0156-01" ] }, { "cite": "117 N. C., 644", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8653753 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/117/0644-01" ] }, { "cite": "103 N. C., 374", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8650178 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/103/0374-01" ] }, { "cite": "96 N. C., 392", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8650365 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/96/0392-01" ] }, { "cite": "94 N. C., 958", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8652655 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/94/0958-01" ] }, { "cite": "63 N. C., 578", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11278541 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/63/0578-01" ] }, { "cite": "126 N. C., 509", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8660934 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/126/0509-01" ] }, { "cite": "124 N. C., 214", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8658652 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/124/0214-01" ] }, { "cite": "120 N. C., 498", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8659127 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/120/0498-01" ] }, { "cite": "120 N. C., 495", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8659086 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/120/0495-01" ] }, { "cite": "119 N. C., 677", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8655935 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/119/0677-01" ] }, { "cite": "111 N. C., 80", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8650595 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/111/0080-01" ] }, { "cite": "80 N. C., 191", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8688648 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/80/0191-01" ] }, { "cite": "71 N. C., 338", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11278113 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/71/0338-01" ] }, { "cite": "46 N. C., 39", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8681100 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/46/0039-01" ] }, { "cite": "24 N. C., 229", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8689295 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/24/0229-01" ] }, { "cite": "19 N. C., 50", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11274558 ], "weight": 2, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/19/0050-01" ] }, { "cite": "15 N. C., 154", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 11275878 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/15/0154-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 591, "char_count": 10998, "ocr_confidence": 0.412, "pagerank": { "raw": 3.4376729381559536e-07, "percentile": 0.8794815836753417 }, "sha256": "55541b09f724c810e4bb28abbfc806e99317e3242aa4c708316109c0e982e606", "simhash": "1:e693b520c63c02a1", "word_count": 1936 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T19:36:22.932964+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [], "parties": [ "GEER v. THE DURHAM WATER COMPANY." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "Douglas, J.\nThis is an action brought by a lower riparian owner for damages resulting from the unlawful diversion \u25a0of water, seriously interfering with the running of his mill, and greatly lessening its productive capacity. Long after the establishment of the plaintiff\u2019s mill the defendant, organized for the purpose of supplying water to the city of Durham, constructed a dam across Eno River above the plaintiff\u2019s mill, and also a dam across Nancy Rhodes Branch, a tributary of said river. The branch was used for its water supply, while the river was used to run its pumps when there was a sufficient flow. Some little water was taken directly from the river when needed, but not regularly; the main diversion being the water pumped from the branch, that would otherwise have flowed into the river. The plaintiff contends that he is entitled to recover for damages arising not only from the unlawful diversion of the water, but also from its improper use in running machinery too great for the power of the river. The defendant contends, on the other hand, that the only cause of action set out in the complaint is the unlawful diversion, and in this we think it is correct. But the plaintiff again says that, even admitting this to be true, the diversion, being an unlawful act, renders the defendant liable for every other act connected therewith; that is, that, as the defendant had no right to divert the water from the branch flowing into the river, he had no right to use the river for the purpose of accomplishing such diversion, and that the allegation of unlawful diversion in the complaint was sufficient to include every act connected therewith, including the \u201cuneven and irregular flow\u201d caused thereby. The nature of the respective damages claimed by the plaintiff more clearly appears from the following extract from his elaborate brief:\n\u201cThe effect of defendant\u2019s use and diversion of the water of the Nancy Rhodes Branch and Eno River is seen at plaintiff\u2019s mill in two ways: (1) In a gradually diminishing flow of water; (2) in an uneven and irregular flow. The first is, of course, caused by the diversion of an increasing quantity of the water naturally flowing in and forming a part of Eno River, which is not returned to the river. The second is caused by the following facts, to-wit: The turbine wheels of the defendant, being so large, and taxing to the utmost, if not overburdening, the capacity of the river to operate them, require a very large quantity of water for their operation, and when they are running they discharge a quantity of water from defendant\u2019s pond largely in excess of the flow of the river, and this causes a flood of water at plaintiff\u2019s mill more than he can use or hold, and goes to waste; and when defendant stops its wheels to enable its pond to be filled, and furnish it the required power to operate its wheels to force the water to a reservoir, its dam being very tight, very much less water flows down the river than is the natural and accustomed flow. The uneven and irregular flow is caused by the use of the wheels to divert the water from the branch and the river, and is an integral and inseparable part of its system and operation as now used, and as used since the construction of its works.\u201d If this statement. had been in the complaint instead of the brief, it would have presented a different question, but there is no allegation whatever as to the \u201cuneven and irregular flow.\u201d If this were merely an evidentiary fact, as claimed by the plaintiff (that is, a fact used merely to prove or explain the main allegation of unlawful diversion), the plaintiff might- be correct. It must be either a mere evidentiary fact, upon which no additional damages can be awarded, or it is a separate cause of action, which must, be alleged in the complaint with sufficient particularity to put the defendant upon notice. We therefore think there was error in the Court\u2019s giving the plaintiff\u2019s ninth prayer, which is as follows: \u201cIf you believe from the evidence that the defendant built a dam across Eno River above plaintiff\u2019s mill, and at times detained the water for the purpose of getting a head of water with which to run its wheel, which is used in pumping water from the Nancy Rhodes Rranc.h; and then, if you believe from the evidence that water so detained was let loose upon plaintiff\u2019s mill property below, and that this ponding and letting loose caused an irregular flow in the river, and that this irregular flow damaged plaintiff\u2019s property, then the Court charges you that this use of the water is an unreasonable use, and plaintiff is entitled to recover such damages as you may find he sustained from this cause.\u201d It naturally follows that all evidence tending mei\u2019ely to prove a cause of action not stated in the complaint is immaterial, and the exceptions thereto must be sustained. We do not mean to say that this instruction would be intrinsically erroneous under all circumstances, but that it. is error in the present case, as presented to us by the pleadings. It is, therefore, unnecessary to discuss the numerous cases cited by both sides as to the unreasonable use of water apart from its diversion. It is equally useless as well as utterly impracticable to discuss separately the 94 exceptions filed in the case. Many are without merit, while others are harmless, or immaterial, in our view of the case. The greater part may not occur upon a new trial, and, in any event, should the case ever come before us again, we may express the hope that, even in the view of the appellant, there will be less error, or at least a greater condensation of error. There are, however, some important questions that we will consider.\nWe see no error in the issues submitted under the pleadings, especially as we can nowhere find in the record the issues tendered by the defendant. They may be there, but, if so, they have successfully eluded our search.\nWe do not think that the action is barred by the statute of limitations. The plaintiff recovered annual damages only for the three years next preceding the bringing of the action. While, perhaps, the taking of the water is not, in its strictest, sense, an easement, which implies rather a use than a total conversion of a thing, it is so nearly in the nature of an easement as to he governed by the same general principles. This Court has repeatedly held that it requires the continuous and adverse use of an easement for 20 years to raise the presumption of a grant, and that even then the presumption extends only to the \u201cstate and extent\u201d of such user during said period. Wilson v. Wilson, 15 N. C., 154; Pugh v. Wheeler, 19 N. C., 50; Gerenger v. Summers, 24 N. C., 229; Ingraham v. Hough, 46 N. C., 39; Benbow v. Robbins, 71 N. C., 338; Kitchen v. Wilson, 80 N. C., 191; Knight v. Railroad Co., 111 N. C., 80; Parker v. Railroad Co., 119 N. C., 677; Nichols v. Railroad Co., 120 N. C., 495. Acts 1895, chap. 224, refers only to railroads, leaving the law of easements unchanged as to all other parties. Although not a railroad company, we think that the defendant is a quasi public corporation, in its fullest sense, and that neither the public interest, nor the public safety, would permit its abatement as a nuisance. We see no reason why permanent damages can not be assessed under the general principles of equity, and, in fact, we do not understand that this right is questioned, by either party. The awarding such permanent damages is equivalent to the acquisition of an easement by condemnation. Beach v. Railroad Co., 120 N. C., 498; Hocutt v. Railroad Co., 124 N. C., 214; Lassiter v. Railroad Co., 126 N. C., 509.\nWe do not see how the cause of action now before us can be considered as a \u201ctrespass upon real property,\u201d under section 155 of The Code, or as amended by chapter 165 of the Laws of 1895.\nWe are not prepared to say that a man may not be an expert in his life\u2019s work, without a scientific education, nor that it requires expert testimony to prove that a river is 'higher or lower than usual. Whether a witness is an expert is, within proper limitations of law, a preliminary fact to be found by the Court below; and, when there is any evidence to sustain such finding, it is not reviewable in this Court. State v. Davis, 63 N. C., 578; Same v. Cole, 94 N. C., 958; Smith v. Kron, 96 N. C., 392; State v. Hinson, 103 N. C., 374; Blue v. Railroad Co., 117 N. C., 644.\nThere does not seem to be any serious question as to the right of the plaintiff to recover for damages arising from the unlawful conversion. Pugh v. Wheeler, 19 N. C., 50; Williamson v. Canal Co., 78 N. C., 156. The latter case is directly in point.\nEor the reasons above stated, we think there was error in the trial below.\nNew trial.", "type": "majority", "author": "Douglas, J." } ], "attorneys": [ "Manning & Foushee, and Boone, Bryant <& Biggs, for the plaintiff.", "'Winston & Fuller, for the defendant." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "GEER v. THE DURHAM WATER COMPANY.\n(December 19, 1900.)\n1. Evidence \u2014 Immaterial\u2014Complaint.\nEvidence tending merely to prove a cause of action not stated in the complaint is immaterial.\n2. Limitation of Actions- \u2014 Diversion of Water \u2014 Easement\u2014\u2022 Damages \u2014 Trespass\u2014The Qode, Sec. 155 \u2014 Waters and W atercourses.\nThe unlawful diversion of river water is not a trespass on realty, but it is so nearly in the nature of an easement as to be governed by the same statute of limitations.\n3. Limitation of Actions \u2014 Railroads\u2014Easements.\nActs 1895, chap. 224, relative to the limitation of actions, refer only to railroads.\n4. Nuisance \u2014 Abatement\u2014Water Company \u2014 Quasi Public Corporations.\nA water company is a quasi public corporation, and can not be abated as a nuisance.\n6. Witness \u2014 Experts\u2014Findings of Court \u2014 Evidence.\nThe finding of trial court that a witness is an expert is not reviewable where there is any evidence to sustain such finding.\n6. Damages \u2014 Permanent\u2014Conversion \u00b0of Water \u2014 Water Company \u2014 Water and Watercourses.\nPermanent damages may be awarded a riparian owner who is injured by the taking of water out of a river by a water company.\nCivil Action by E. C. Geer against the Durham Water Company, heard by Judge Frederic1c Moore and a jury, at January Term, 1900, of Dueham Superior Court. His Honor submitted to tbe jury the following issues, to-wit:\n1. Has the defendant unlawfully and unreasonably diverted and used the water from Eno River and the Nancy Rhodes Branch?\n2. What annual damages has plaintiff sustained by reason \u25a0of such use and diversion ?\n3. What permanent damages has plaintiff sustained by reason of such use and diversion?\n4. Is plaintiff\u2019s cause of action barred by the statute of limitations ?\n5. Is plaintiff\u2019s cause of action as to Eno River barred by the statute of limitations?\nAnd the jury having responded for their verdict to the said issues as follows, to-wit: To 1, \u201cYes;\u201d to 2, \u201cOne hundred ($100) dollars per year, from December 8, 1894, up to this trialto 3, \u201cOne thousand, one hundred and fifty ($1,150) dollars;\u201d to 4, \u201cNo;\u201d to 5, \u201cNo.\u201d\nErom judgment for plaintiff, the defendant appealed.\nManning & Foushee, and Boone, Bryant <& Biggs, for the plaintiff.\n'Winston & Fuller, for the defendant." }, "file_name": "0349-01", "first_page_order": 379, "last_page_order": 385 }