Cal. Water Code § 39080

The department shall have the powers and duties conferred upon it by this division and further powers and authority necessary to enable it to fully perform the duties imposed upon it by this division, including the employment of any assistants it deems necessary, and the fixing of their compensation. The compensation of assistants and the cost and expense of all work done by the department pursuant to this division shall be paid by the district as provided in this division for payment of other expenses of the district.