"No parent should have to worry about the quality of water they give their kids," said Halvorson. "It's unacceptable that our neighbors are forced to consume water that is not just inadequate, but dangerous. I'm proud to have fought to include this project in the recently passed Interior-Environment appropriations bill. This funding will improve the water system for the hundreds of residents within Ridgewood, and will enable them to drink cleaner water, and live healthier lives."

Currently, almost 200 homes in the area do not have access to Joliet's municipal sewer system, and most of these properties have inadequate or no sewage systems. As a result, water contamination has been a problem in this area, with 30% of private wells testing positive for fecal and other contamination.

"Thanks in part to the hard work of Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson, we have been able to secure more than $4 million in grants for water and sewer infrastructure improvements in the Ridgewood neighborhood. The City of Joliet has been an active partner with us is making these improvements in this neighborhood to ensure a healthier and more livable community," said Will County Executive Larry Walsh.