The fires caused significant damage to the Longwood Water Treatment Plant and the surrounding catchment.
Since then, GVW has continued to provide safe drinking water through water carting arrangements while long-term options are explored.
One option under investigation would see treated drinking water supplied to Longwood from the Seymour Water Treatment Plant via Avenel.
To support this work, GVW has engaged engineering and professional services company Jacobs to conduct technical and planning works.
GVW planning and assets general manager Regan Flanagan said the investigation was a key step in understanding whether the option could meet 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,” Ms Flanagan said.
“We're now investigating whether supplying treated water from Seymour via Avenel could be a suitable long-term option.”
No decisions have been made on Longwood's future water supply at this stage.
The investigation will help determine feasible options and identify opportunities or constraints before future decisions are considered.
Over the coming months, residents may notice surveyors and specialist crews working in and around Longwood, Avenel and surrounding areas.
The work may include surveying, heritage and environmental assessments, and other field investigations to assess 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.
GVW is also establishing a customer reference group to provide local knowledge and community perspectives to help inform future planning, with expressions of interest to join the group opening shortly.
“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 by visiting watermatters.gvwater.vic.gov.au/longwood-water-supply
6°C