South West Water could face enforcement action over the stink coming from an Exeter sewage treatment plant.
Residents across a large area of the city have complained about the stench from the sewage works in Countess Wear - which has been blighting their lives for weeks.
The water company blames the problem on a build-up of sewage sludge while temporary repairs were carried out.
It says major improvements to the plant will prevent this happening again, and in the short term it's bringing in extra equipment to help with processing.
The Environment Agency says it expects South West Water to return the plant to normal as a matter of urgency.
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