Legal Service of Process

For cases filed in California superior court, service can be accomplished electronically via email. DWR waives personal service and will return a completed notice of acknowledgment within the statutory timeframe outlined in California Civil Code of Procedure section 415.30, subdivision (d). Legal process documents can be submitted to DWR by emailing a copy of the summons, the complaint, and the notice and acknowledgment required by section 415.30, subdivision (b) to DWRLegalService@water.ca.gov.

For cases filed in federal district court in California, service can be accomplished electronically via email. DWR waives personal service and will return a completed waiver form within the statutory timeframe outlined in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure, Rule 4, subdivision (d). Legal process documents can be submitted to DWR by emailing a copy of the complaint and the waiver form required by Rule 4, subdivision (d) to DWRLegalService@water.ca.gov.

For document subpoenas directed to DWR, service can be accomplished electronically via email. Document subpoenas can be submitted to DWR by sending a copy of the subpoena and any other statutorily mandated forms to DWRLegalService@water.ca.gov.

Deposition or document subpoenas for DWR employees must be personally served on the applicable employee unless the employee and the Office of the General Counsel have agreed to accept an alternative method of service. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

Documents naming the State of California as a party must be served on the Office of the Attorney General, pursuant to Government Code section 955.4, subdivision (a).