The independent investigation is also likely to evaluate the appropriateness of action taken in response to elevated lead readings and the process undertaken to restore water supplies.
The review is expected to start after Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury residents have been told they can drink the water again, which could happen as early as the end of next month.
Residents of those communities have been advised not to drink tap water, nor use it for food preparation, since February 2.
The advice was issued after a series of lead readings were above the level considered safe.
Recent testing has revealed lead at very low levels or undetectable.
Councillors will consider the proposed criteria for the review at a council meeting next week.
The investigation follows a Ministry of Health review.
A council staff report says an independent reviewer or reviewers are yet be appointed.
The council has been continuing to search for the source or sources of the contamination.
Its review is likely to consider the organisation’s handling of the scare from the beginning, when the decision was made to test the water as part of an asset management programme.
The first test that indicated a problem was carried out on behalf of the council in July last year and the result was received in August.
Council blunders included an email being sent to an inbox that was not monitored while a staff member was on leave.
However, the response also featured public meetings, stepping up water testing and distribution of fruit and vegetables free of charge.
The review’s proposed terms of reference include reviewing external communication after the advice not to drink the water was issued, recommending improvements and issuing advice on "any other matters that may be relevant".
