The aim of this article is to present a sociological interpretation of the conjuncture of agents and social interests involved in the consolidation of the notion of river basin (hydrographic basin) as a management unit and the ensuing construction of redevances as an economic management tool for the French model of water governance. To achieve this goal, the methodology of this study included general bibliographical research, documentary research of the material produced by different Water Commissions, and biographical research of the Commissions’ members. The results show the socio-political network involving agents, groups and social institutions leading to the definition of a new regulatory framework. After several decades, however, this network approach was sidelined by the belief in the strictly physiographic understanding of the basins and by the crystallization of the illusio of the efficiency of the French redevances as economic tools for environmental management.