An icon within the Shire of Merredin is at risk of removal following safety concerns.
The Shire of Merredin will seek community feedback on the future of the Merredin Water Tower after receiving an inspection report from contractor GHD Pty Ltd, who recently undertook analysis of the tank when safety concerns were raised.
Last month's inspection involved scaffolding being built around the structure to assess the structural integrity of the 25,000 gallon cast iron tank.
The inspectors advised that the tank was structurally unstable due to a number of cracks, excessive rust and corrosion, with the report citing that the tank was at risk of sudden failure.
A loose piece of cast iron on the south-east corner of the tank has also been identified as a safety issue, with inspectors saying there is a possibility it could fall.
The cause of damage to the tank is believed to be a combination of the tank remaining empty for a significant period of time and continually being subject to tension stress and environmental factors.
It has been recommended that the tank be demolished.
Shire of Merredin chief executive Greg Powell said despite the Merredin Water Tank being on Public Transport Authority land, the structure is a point of local pride and a landmark of the town.
"The Shire understands that this is an issue close to the heart of Merredin and will therefore engage in a widespread community consultation process in line with our Community Engagement Framework," Mr Powell said in a statement.
"This community engagement will ask locals what they would like to see happen to the tower."
Mr Powell said the inspection report did conclude that welding repairs and cold metal stitching repairs would not be a solution to the problem.
The report is available to the public on the Shire of Merredin website.
