Goulburn Valley Water has been carting safe drinking water to the area since the fires, while long-term options are being explored.
One option would see treated drinking water supplied to Longwood from the Seymour Water Treatment Plant via Avenel.
To support its work, GV Water has engaged Jacobs, an engineering and professional services company, to carry out technical and planning works to support the option assessment.
GV Water Planning and Assets general manager Regan Flanagan said the investigation was an important step in understanding whether the option was viable for Longwood's future water needs.
“The Longwood fires had a significant impact on the town's water supply and on the quality of untreated water within the catchment, highlighting the need for a more resilient solution,” she said.
“We're now investigating whether supplying treated water from Seymour via Avenel could be a suitable long-term option.”
The investigation will identify opportunities and constraints before any decisions are made.
GV Water has warned residents that there will surveyors and specialist crews working in and around Longwood, Avenel and surrounding areas in the coming months.
Works could include surveying, heritage and environmental assessments, and other field investigations to better understand local conditions and potential pipeline routes.
"This is a normal part of early project planning and helps us build a clear picture of what may be possible and best for Longwood before any decisions are made," Ms Flanagan said.
GV Water will work with landholders to discuss proposed activities and answer questions before entering private property.
The authority will also set up a customer reference group to provide local knowledge, insights and community perspectives to help inform future planning.
"Longwood residents know their community better than anyone, and their local knowledge will be invaluable as we explore options for the town's future water supply," Ms Flanagan said.
Customers, landholders and community members can stay informed, receive project updates and register their interest in joining the customer reference group at watermatters.gvwater.vic.gov.au/longwood-water-supply
