Holland v. Columbia Irrigation District

Two actions for damage to plaintiffs’ properties caused by the overflow of an irrigation ditch were consolidated for jury trial. The court ordered separate trials on the issues of liability and damages. Upon completion of the plaintiffs’ cases at the trial as to liability, the court granted defendant’s motion to dismiss for insufficiency of the evidence. Plaintiffs appeal.

Plaintiffs live on the east side of South Dayton Place, between West 16th and West 18th Avenues in Kennewick, but not in adjoining premises. An irrigation ditch owned and operated by defendant is located to the rear of…