Tennessee Code Title 65. Public Utilities and Carriers § 65-6-123

Any railroad corporation owning or operating a railroad or any part thereof in this state, whether chartered under the laws of this state or under the laws of any other state or states, is empowered to condemn property for a site for a reservoir or tank; also, the use of the water from any running stream, and also a way along which to lay pipeline or lines to convey water to its reservoir or tanks, whenever the same or any of them may be needed for the purpose of such railroad. The powers conferred in this section shall be exercised only for the erecting and maintaining of tanks and reservoirs for the purpose of operating trains. This section does not apply to springs or private ponds.