In Italy water management (integrated water management for civil use = servizio idrico integrato = SII) (it is referred to water abstraction, drinking water treatment, bulk water supply, drinking water distribution, sewerage and waste water treatment) is a public service, considered of “economic importance” as it is able to influence market competition.Given this inner quality, the SII is ruled in its essential features by national laws. Regions can only specify principles contained in national laws.The referendum of 12-13 June 2011 has squashed art. 23 of law no. 133/2008, and its execution. The so called “obliged delegation to private enterprise” of water management is not any longer existing, while a new strength is given to the public companies on a local basis, according to the fact that the water sector create a sort of natural monopoly, and water itself is a public good, to be preserved for future generations.So now SII will be ruled only by EU general principles.