Tennessee § 69-5-101 - County may establish levee and drainage districts and change natural watercourses.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 69-5-101 — County may establish levee and drainage districts and change natural watercourses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 69-5-101. County may establish levee and drainage districts and change natural watercourses.
The county court of any county is vested with the jurisdiction and authority at any regular, special, or adjourned session to establish a drainage district or districts, and to locate and establish levees, and cause to be constructed, as provided in this chapter, any levee, ditch, drain, or watercourse, or to straighten, widen, deepen, or change any natural watercourse in such county, or provide for such action being taken whenever it will be of public utility or conducive to the public health or welfare. Acts 1909, ch. 185, § 1; Shan., § 3871a7; mod. Code 1932, § 4216; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 70-701; T.C.A. § 69-6-101 . Compiler's Notes. The county court structure referred to in this chapter was abolished by the 1978 amendments to Tenn. Const. arts. VI and VII. Legislative functions formerly exercised by county courts now belong to county legislative bodies. Judicial functions now belong to general sessions, chancery, or circuit courts. See also § 69-5-102 . Cross-References. Supplementary eminent domain proceedings for certain levee and drainage districts, § 29-17-901 . Tax assessment of tracts partly in district, § 67-5-803 . Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 10 Tenn. Juris., Drains and Sewers, §§ 4, 5, 7, 8, 12; 17 Tenn. Juris., Levees, § 1; 25 Tenn. Juris., Waters and Watercourses, § 16. Law Reviews. Water Rights in Tennessee (Mahlon L. Townsend), 27 Tenn. L. Rev. 557.
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 69-5-101
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 69-5-101 cover?
Section 69-5-101 ("County may establish levee and drainage districts and change natural watercourses.") 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 § 69-5-101?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 69-5-101" (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 § 69-5-101 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.