The French State is accused by the European Union of failing to protect its natural water resources. Yet there are many examples of water protection success. Lons-le-Saunier is one sych example where the town council implements preventive actions to preserve drinking water quality. Our paper analyses the negociation process between the town council and the farmers. We conducted a long-term study which integrated the professional dynamics of farmers. Thirty people were interviewed in order to understand their mutual relationships and their own representation of the environmental problem and of the solution adopted Three more or less conflicting priods were detected. In the first period contracts to alter farming practices were signed between the town council and the farmers. In the second period these contracts were renewed by tacit agreement. The third period was characterized by a growing complexity of regulations and the intervention of an increasing number of state stakeholders. In all, this environmental policy remains original and precursory. Yet, contrary to what is currently reported in the media organic farming does not serve water quality today in this particular area. The role played by the town council must be underlined here. They chose a dialogue approach but sometimes used regulatory tools to oblige farmers to take part in the negotiation. The farmers' commitment to natural resources protection may be explained by the material and symbolic benefits they obtained.