COWICHAN LAKE, BC — The pumping of water from Cowichan Lake into the Cowichan River will begin as early as Sept. 11 while extremely dry conditions persist. Catalyst Crofton will manage the pumping that will continue until water levels are naturally restored later this fall. According to Paper Excellence, water will be pumped at a rate designed to maintain current flow conditions in the Cowichan River. That’s about 4.5 cubic metres per second. …Low lake levels have resulted and reduced flows which now requires water pumping from the lake to preserve the river and its habitat. The pumping is authorized by the B.C. Ministry of Forests. …“Catalyst Crofton has been collaboratively managing Cowichan River since 2002 with First Nations, local government and other key stakeholders,” stated Bruce Eby, general manager. “While curtailed, the mill’s water requirements are significantly reduced.”