Story about a stink over North American water (4,4)

I believe the answer is:

lake erie

'north american water' is the definition.
(one of the Great Lakes of North America)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for lake erie that I've seen before include "One of the five Great ones in North America" , "lots of water" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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