State guide
Tennessee
Tennessee’s drinking water program explains that the utility generally owns the line from the main to the meter, while the customer owns the line from the meter to the home.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State lead service line page
- Official page →
Official resources in Tennessee
TDEC Lead Service Line Funding
State revolving fund page describing Tennessee lead service line investigation, inventory, planning, and replacement funding.
MLGW Private Water Replacement
MLGW’s homeowner-facing page for private-side replacement of lead or galvanized water service lines.
MLGW Water Service Lines
MLGW page for checking service line material and learning about its full-line replacement efforts.
Key facts for Tennessee
- TDEC says the customer-owned portion runs from the meter to the home.
- Tennessee says it will provide loans and grants to eligible water systems for lead service line replacement activities.
- TDEC’s funding page says investigation, inventory, and planning assistance can support rapid lead service line identification.
- MLGW says it is replacing both the utility and private side for customers served by galvanized or lead lines.
- MLGW says newly allocated federal infrastructure funds can replace customer-side lines for customers who need help replacing them.
Utility help for homeowners in Tennessee
| Utility | city | program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis Light, Gas and Water | Memphis | Private Water Replacement | MLGW says it is working with customers to replace both the utility and private side of galvanized or lead water service lines, using federal funds to replace customer-side lines for customers who need help. |
What to do next
- Check MLGW’s water service line information first to confirm the material on both sides of the meter.
- If MLGW contacts you about replacement, complete the Right of Entry form promptly so the private-side work can proceed.
- If your utility is not MLGW, review TDEC’s lead pages and ask your water system whether it is using state SRF lead-line funding.
Helpful guides
- Who pays to replace the private side of a lead service line?
- Lead service line replacement grants, reimbursements and loans
- How to tell if your water service line is lead
- The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements: what homeowners need to know
Lead line cost-share estimator →
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