WELCOME to Race Week, Bathurst, but it's going to be a a Race Week with a difference.
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While the countdown to Sunday's Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 will no doubt be the biggest story in town over the next few days, it won't be the only story this year.
Because while Mount Panorama is sure to be the scene of frantic activity, so too will there be plenty of action in the front yards and backyards across the city.
The imminent introduction of extreme Level 4-5 water restrictions next Monday, October 14 (the day after the Bathurst 1000) is sure to get Bathurst's homeowners outside this week watering their lawns and gardens, and topping up their pools, while they still can.
Ben Chifley Dam is sitting at around 46 per cent as the week begins but the storage is sure to be tested over the next few days.
And combined with an influx of tens of thousands of race fans for the fours days of the Bathurst 1000, we're likely set for one of the city's highest water use weeks for the year.
It's hard to imagine that was the intention of the restrictions.
Also in the news this week will be the fallout from Bathurst Regional Council's failed attempt to secure water from the Oberon Dam to bolster the city's supplies.
Council had put a proposal to the state government to buy a water allocation from the Oberon Dam and Fish River Scheme over summer to help preserve the Chifley Dam supply for as long as possible but received confirmation on Friday that the request had been denied.
That response was not unexpected but is still a blow to council and, potentially, the irrigators who must now come under even greater pressure to limit their water usage.
In turn, that could impact Simplot production over coming months and the overall employment pool in the city.
It's a worrying story and one that is approaching desperation.
Bathurst remains in a better position than many other regional centres at this stage, but a forecast hot, dry summer is a concern.
Council is continuing to work with the state government to find solutions but nothing short of heavy rain will be the perfect answer.
Regardless, welcome to Bathurst, race fans, and we hope you enjoy your stay.
But if you don't mind drinking beer while you're here and leaving the water in the tap, the whole city will thank you for it.