Tennessee § 69-5-717 - Application by owner to use ditch or drain — Designation of use.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 69-5-717 — Application by owner to use ditch or drain — Designation of use., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 69-5-717. Application by owner to use ditch or drain — Designation of use.
An owner desiring to exercise the right to use the ditch, drain, or watercourse, as an outlet for lateral drain or drains, before doing so, shall make application to the board of directors of the district in which the land is situated, to designate the place and manner in which the lateral shall cross the right-of-way, and empty into the ditch, drain, or watercourse. Upon such application being made, it shall be the duty of the board of directors to investigate the matter and make such designation. It is unlawful for any landowner to make any ditch or lateral, upon and across the right-of-way, and into the main ditch, drain, or watercourse, otherwise than as designated by the board of directors. It is unlawful for any landowner to cut any lateral, ditch, or drain, and stop the same at or near the margin of the right-of-way of the district, so as to empty water into and upon the right-of-way, except by the written consent of the board of directors of the district. Acts 1915, ch. 63, § 6; Shan., § 3871a98; Code 1932, § 4326; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-1223; T.C.A. § 69-6-717 .
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 69-5-717
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 69-5-717 cover?
Section 69-5-717 ("Application by owner to use ditch or drain — Designation of use.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 69-5-717?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 69-5-717" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 69-5-717 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.