Cal. Water Code § 31088

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.