PEORIA -- Millions of pounds of toxic waste is being dumped into American waterways, including the Illinois River.

A report from Environment Illinois shows industrial facilities are pumping toxic chemicals into our water every year. Spokespersons say the chemicals released into the rivers have been linked to cancer and many common developmental and reproductive disorders. They say although there's been improvement over the years, the regulations for the Clean Water Act have not been heavily enforced.

Max Muller, with Environment Illinois, says, "The New York Times reported a month ago that there were over half a million violations of the Clean Water Act in the last five years. So we're calling for full enforcement of the Clean Water Act. That means limits for toxic pollution for each type of toxic chemical, enforcing those limits not just with a warning letter but with fines and severe fines for repeat offenders."

Muller says they're calling for action from lawmakers and want Peoria Congressman Aaron Schock to vote for an upcoming bill being pushed in Congress that will help with stricter enforcement of the Clean Water Act. Muller says that bill should come up for vote by the end of the month.