Opinion ID: 2609242
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Issue of Purity of Domestic Water Supply.

Text: Mr. Kelley, the realtor, testified that respondents indicated to him that before they would sell the property they wanted to make sure that the domestic water was pure and that they intended to install a water purifier; that if the water then tested pure they would go ahead with the sale and purchase transaction with appellants. The machine, intended for purification of the water, was installed. After the second testing the water tested suitable for domestic use, which is borne out by a water analysis report by Idaho's Department of Health. The water sample from respondents' property was received by such Department on January 8, 1960, and the report is dated January 11, 1960; it states that intestinal bacteria were not found in the sample of water. The sanitarian, Mr. Boughton, of the Department of Health, stated that water which showed absence of such bacteria is considered suitable for domestic purposes. The realtor recalled going to the property after appellants moved onto it; that a man had been installing the machine to purify the water; that appellants were using the water, and at that time the water had been cleared by test by the Department of Health. Mr. Kelley specifically stated that he never told appellants that the water was pure at any time prior to installation of the water purifier. He stated that the pureness of the water was essential to the contract. When he went to the property after appellants had moved onto it, the installation of the water purifier was being completed. He stated he wanted to ascertain whether this water purifying machine would be satisfactory to them, appellants, and that they stated it was satisfactory. He told appellants that respondents were footing the bill for the purifier. Mr. Kelley's testimony also showed that during negotiations with appellants, it was brought out that the owners would clean up the water supply; they would install the machine, and if that didn't take care of the water supply, something else would be done. Appellant Mr. Thomson testified that before purchasing the property, he was informed that the drinking water was not as pure as it should be. He knew that respondents were attempting to remedy the situation and had ordered a water purifier. He stated that he did not sign the contract of sale and purchase (on December 28, 1959) before the purifier was installed. It was when the 1960 flood came, he testified, that a sample of the water showed contamination, but he caused the water system to be cleaned and the well to be sunk deeper. He then stated that there was no problem of the drinking water during the latter part of 1960 and early 1961 (while he continued in possession). The owners, respondents blamed the water contamination to the highway construction going on in the vicinity which was completed in October 1960. Mr. Thomson did not know whether the water was contaminated thereafter, but that the water was clear and appellants used it. Appellant Mrs. Thomson knew of the conversation with the realtor, before they contracted to buy the property, about the purity of the water. She then denied that anything was said before signing the contract about the purity of the water or water supply; and she didn't remember the report of the Department of Public Health of January 11, 1960, showing uncontaminated water. There is some conflict in the evidence on the question of the purity of the drinking water supply, in regard to whether before the purchase appellants were informed about the then questionable purity of the water supply. The trial court resolved the conflict in favor of respondents. The remaining evidence is substantial in support of the trial court's finding that respondents did not, nor did any one in their behalf, falsely represent the purity of the domestic water supply; and that respondents did remedy the situation to the end that the State's Department of Public Health cleared the water for drinking purposes by January 11, 1960. Appellants by their remaining assignment contend that the trial court erred in finding that Mr. Kelley and the realty company which employed him, acted as agents for both appellants and respondents in the transaction involved herein. We have carefully examined the evidence bearing upon this aspect of the case and find no error in the trial court's finding. The credibility of witnesses and the weight to be given their testimony is exclusively within the province of the trier of the facts. Harper v. Johannesen, 84 Idaho 278, 371 P.2d 842; In re Odberg's Estate, 67 Idaho 447, 182 P.2d 945; Crenshaw v. Crenshaw, 68 Idaho 470, 199 P.2d 264; Sellars v. Sellars, 73 Idaho 163, 248 P.2d 1063; Angleton v. Angleton, 84 Idaho 184, 370 P.2d 788. Fraud is never presumed. All the essential elements thereof must be established by the party relying thereon by clear and convincing evidence, especially when the integrity of a written instrument is assailed. Nelson v. Hudgel, 23 Idaho 327, 130 P. 85; Smith v. Johnson, 47 Idaho 468, 276 P. 320; Cooper v. Wesco Builders, 76 Idaho 278, 281 P.2d 669; Petersen v. Holland, 79 Idaho 63, 310 P.2d 810; Barron v. Koenig, 80 Idaho 28, 324 P.2d 388; Walker v. Nunnenkamp, 84 Idaho 485, 373 P.2d 559. The findings of the trial court will not be disturbed on appeal when supported by competent and substantial, although conflicting, evidence. I.C. § 13-219; Shurrum v. Watts, 80 Idaho 44, 324 P.2d 380; Manley v. MacFarland, 80 Idaho 312, 327 P.2d 758; Larson v. Lindsay, 80 Idaho 242, 327 P.2d 775; Homefinders v. Lawrence, 80 Idaho 543, 335 P.2d 893; Nordick v. Sorensen, 81 Idaho 117, 338 P. 2d 766; Clayton v. Clayton, 81 Idaho 416, 345 P.2d 719; Zenier v. Spokane International Railroad Co., 78 Idaho 196, 300 P.2d 494; Dunclick, Inc. v. Utah-Idaho Concrete Pipe Co., 77 Idaho 499, 295 P.2d 700; Summers v. Martin, 77 Idaho 469, 295 P.2d 265; Land Development Corporation v. Cannaday, 77 Idaho 237, 290 P.2d 1087; Watkins v. Watkins, 76 Idaho 316, 281 P.2d 1057. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed. Costs to respondents. McQUADE, McFADDEN and TAYLOR, JJ., concur. KNUDSON, C. J., did not participate.