Tennessee Code Title 68. Health, Safety and Environmental Protection § 68-221-706

(a)(1) The department shall exercise general supervision over the construction of public water systems throughout the state.

(2) Such general supervision shall include all of the features of construction of public water systems which do or may affect the sanitary quality or the quantity of the water supply.

(3) No new construction shall be done nor shall any change be made in any public water system until the plans for such new construction or change have been submitted and approved by the department.

(4) In granting approval of such plans, the department may specify such modification, conditions and regulations as may be required for the protection of the public health and welfare.

(5) The source of raw water and the quantity of raw water to be drawn from the waters of the state are subject to review and approval by the department.

(b)(1) Any unit of local government which imposes standards and requirements for the construction of public water systems may apply to the commissioner for the commissioner's certification that the locally imposed standards and requirements are at least as sufficient to protect the public health as those of the department.

(2) After certification, submission of plans to and approval by the local government for construction and changes in public water systems shall be sufficient in lieu of approval by the department as otherwise required by this section.

(3) The commissioner may periodically review the local standards and requirements and prescribe changes upon which continued certification may be conditioned.