Section 35409 Of Article 1. Powers Generally From California Water Code >> Division 13. >> Part 5. >> Chapter 2. >> Article 1.

. 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; or
  (c) Endanger the inhabitants or land.