Sarno (river)

The Sarno, known as Sarnus to the Romans, is a stream that passes through Pompeii to the south of the Italian city of Naples.[1] It is considered the most polluted river in Europe,[2] as a result of industrial waste. It flows about 24 kilometres (15 mi) from the base of Mt. Sarno to the Bay of Naples collecting water from the Solofrana and Cavaiola tributaries during the course of its flow.

Sarno
Personification of Sarno in Pompei
Location
Country	Italy
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Above Sarno
• elevation	30 m (98 ft)
Mouth	Tyrrhenian Sea
• location	Bay of Naples, near Pompeii
• coordinates	40.7285°N 14.4692°E / 40.7285; 14.4692
Length	24 km (15 mi)
Basin size	500 km2 (190 sq mi)
Discharge
• average	13 m3/s (460 cu ft/s)

It is still partially used for irrigation, as well as the transportation of goods and fishing. It is part of the Sarno river basin, which covers about 500 square kilometres (190 sq mi).[3]

The Sarno is the most polluted river in Italy due to the agricultural waste and waste water from the tanning factories around the town of Solofra.

There are about 500 small industries in the area which still pollute. Water treatment plants have been installed, however, they do not work to full capacity. The mouth of the river continues to make bathing in the sea impossible, despite numerous protests.