Article 5. Controversies of California Water Code >> Division 12. >> Part 5. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 5.

A district may sue and be sued, except as otherwise provided in this division or by law, in all actions and proceedings in all courts and tribunals of competent jurisdiction.

A district may commence, maintain, intervene in, compromise, and assume the costs of any action or proceeding involving or affecting the ownership or use of waters or water rights within the district used or useful for any purpose of the district or a benefit to any land.

A district may commence, maintain, intervene in, defend, and compromise actions and proceedings to prevent interference with or diminution of the natural flow of any stream or natural subterranean supply of waters which may:
  (a) Be used or be useful for any purpose of the district.
  (b) Be of common benefit to the land or its inhabitants.
  (c) Endanger the inhabitants or land.

All claims for money or damages against the district are governed by Part 3 (commencing with Section 900) and Part 4 (commencing with Section 940) of Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code except as provided therein, or by other statutes or regulations expressly applicable thereto.

The district may employ counsel to defend any action or proceeding brought against it on account of any injury, taking, damage, or destruction, or to defend as provided in Part 7 (commencing with Section 995) of Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code an action or proceeding brought against any of its officers, employees or servants, and the fees and expenses involved therein are a lawful charge against the district.