[crusty old prospector]

Around here, we pay 14 cents a barrel (42 gallons) for frac water from lakes and ponds.

[Pontiac]

https://www.krqe.com/news/politics-government/legislature/legislators-look-to-address-water-overuse-in-new-mexico/

According to this article published last year, the then current maximum fine in NM for illegal pumping from a licensed well was $100.

A state rep was proposing raising the fine to $2000 a day.

Under either the license hold here would still make out like a bandet.

At crusty’s 14 cents a barrel Bill King would paid $20K for his 6 million gallons. Subtract the $2k fine he is still ahead $18k.

And given the unavailability of water in the area I am sure he was paid much more that 14 cents a barrel.

Any intelligent man would have sold the water under those circumstances.