Lawrence,
Pretty sure I know exactly where you're talking about where Primexx did this. Yes, you are right, this is becoming a very common practice for operators to do in order to cut costs. The only clout a landowner can really have at that point is if the operator has to pass through their land or not to get that water to their wells or frac ponds. Right-of-Way appears to be one of the few bargaining chips left in the water transfer business in Reeves. Basically, landowners can say "Not using my water? Then find another route."