STANTON, Iowa (AP) – A 125-foot water tower painted to look like a Swedish coffeepot is in danger of losing its place in southwest Iowa.  Since 1971, a 50,000-gallon water tower in the town of Stanton has featured a giant handle, spout and knob. A sign on the edge of town says, “home of the world’s largest coffeepot.”

The Des Moines Register reports a $1.2 million revamp of the town’s central water system will cease use of the tower. At minimum, an estimated $250,000 would be needed to safely preserve the tower as an empty landmark.

Maintenance issues include no cover on the spout to protect it from rain and moisture. Repainting the structure would require costly sandblasting. There are also out-of-date ladders on the side of the tower.