Water - As introduced, prohibits the department of environment and conservation from prohibiting a utility that provides drinking water from pumping or otherwise withdrawing water from natural waters for purposes of providing drinking water, including as a prerequisite to renewal of the utility's permit, unless the prohibition is required to comply with federal law. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 68, Chapter 221 and Title 69.

HB 1509 prevents Tennessee's environmental agency from blocking water utilities from pumping drinking water, unless federal law explicitly requires it. The bill specifically allows state action only when federal mandates (like the Safe Drinking Water Act) demand restrictions - not merely recommend them - and requires the agency to provide written notice citing the exact federal law if restrictions are imposed. It directly affects public water systems operated by local governments or regulated by Tennessee's utility board. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.