The pumping plant, which has a capacity of more than 360 million gallons per day, is located on an intake canal off the Sabine River and lifts water approximately 22 feet to the main canal. Water is then conveyed through more than 75 miles of canals and laterals to the various customers throughout Orange County. The John W. Simmons Gulf Coast Canal System supplies water to municipal and industrial customers including petrochemical plants, a pulp and paper mill, a steel plant, and an electrical generating station. Water is also supplied for the purpose of rice irrigation, crawfish and catfish farming, and other miscellaneous uses.
The John W. Simmons Gulf Coast Canal System is operated by the Gulf Coast Division office near Orange Texas.