Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-35-101: Power of eminent domain

All municipal corporations are empowered to take and condemn lands, property, property rights, privileges and easements of others for the purpose of constructing, laying, repairing, or extending sewers, water system or drainage ditches, both within and beyond the corporate limits, and of acquiring ingress and egress in the construction, repair or maintenance of sewers, water system or drainage ditches, and in making connection to sewers, water system or drainage ditches. Such property or interest in such property may be so acquired whether or not the property or interest in property is owned or held for public use by corporations, associations or persons having the power of eminent domain, or otherwise held or used for public purpose; provided, that such prior public use will not be interfered with by this use.