Tennessee Drought Water Restriction Statewide Authority

Tennessee Code Annotated Title 68, Chapter 221 governs public water systems and grants the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation oversight of water utility operations including drought management. Under TCA 68-221-1006, public water systems must develop drought management plans and may impose mandatory restrictions on outdoor water use during declared drought stages. The Tennessee Drought Management Plan, adopted under interagency authority, classifies drought levels and triggers conservation responses. Water utilities have direct enforcement authority and may impose civil penalties or terminate service for repeated violations. Local restrictions during drought derive from this state framework rather than home rule.

Civil penalties typically range from $50 to $500 per violation; water utilities may suspend service for repeat noncompliance.