104 Wis. 619 | Wis. | 1899
The defendants appeal from an order overruling their demurrer to the complaint. The facts alleged show that Spring Lake is a meandered lake in Waukesha county; that plaintiffs are the owners and in possession of land abutting on said lake and upon the outlet to the same, of great value because of their proximity thereto; that since long prior to 1860 the waters in the lake have been continuously maintained at a uniform level, with a stream of water running therefrom through the outlet mentioned; that the land adjoining the lake was valuable as meadow land and lake-front property, and the outlet was useful and valuable for watering stock; that titles to land had changed, and lands had been bought, sold, improved, cultivated, fenced, and used by the plaintiffs and their grantors for more than forty years, relying upon the conditions stated; that about May 4, 1899, the defendants wrongfully caused a dam to be constructed across the outlet to the lake, whereby the water was set back and overflowed many acres of the lake-front lands of the plaintiffs, the water supply of their lands along the outlet was cut off, and their lands diminished in value; that since said wrongful acts were committed said dam has been removed, and the water restored to its former level, but the plaintiffs believe and fear that, unless restrained from so doing, the. defendants will replace said dam, as they have threatened to do, to their lasting and irreparable injury. The demand for relief is that the rights of the plaintiffs be adjudged, and the defendants be perpetually enjoined from placing any dam across the outlet of the lake.
By the Gowrt.— The order of the circuit court is affirmed.