The Cowichan River is now flowing with the aid of large pumps moving water from Cowichan Lake.

According to a statement from Catalyst Crofton mill鈥檚 parent company Paper Excellence that鈥檚 managing the pumping, the lake level is continuing downward, indicating the rainfall into lake has been minimal in the last few days, but there鈥檚 hope for significant rainfall within the next two weeks.

A wet weather system is predicted to arrive beginning around Sept. 26. That is an imperfect forecast, of course, since predictions of rainfall two weeks ahead during July and August failed to amount to much. But it鈥檚 perceived a similar prediction for late in September has a higher probability of happening.

鈥淲ith the lake level already low, and with another two weeks of pumping anticipated, the buoys will be deployed into the lake Friday (Sept. 15) and tomorrow (Sept. 16),鈥� the statement read.

The upcoming end of the prime recreational boating season is seen as a bonus, but there will still be boaters on the lake and more hazards to boating will appear in coming days as the lake level continues downward.

Environmental monitoring is also ongoing as required. There鈥檚 a special focus on the Vancouver lamprey under the Species at Risk Act and the operation of the pumps.