Chapter 6. Controversies of California Water Code >> Division 21. >> Part 5. >> Chapter 6.

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, and compromise, in the name of the district, and assume the costs of, any action or proceeding involving or affecting the ownership or use of water or water rights within the district, used or useful for any purposes of the district, or of common benefit to the lands situated therein.

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 streams or unnavigable river, or rivers, including the natural subterranean supply of water therefrom, which may be used or useful for any purpose of the district, or a common benefit to the lands within the district or its inhabitants; and may commence, maintain, and defend actions and proceedings to prevent any such interference with such waters as may endanger the inhabitants or lands of the district.

A district may institute and maintain any and all actions, proceedings, and suits at law or in equity necessary or proper to fully carry out the provisions of this division, or to enforce, maintain, protect, or preserve any and all rights, privileges, and immunities created by this division or acquired in pursuance thereof.

In all courts, actions, suits, or proceedings, the board may sue, appear, and defend in the name of the district in person or by attorneys.

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.