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. It is considered the most polluted river in Europe. It flows about 24 km 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.

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 715 km2.

The Sarno is one the most polluted rivers in Europe, due to agricultural waste and insufficiently treated industrial waste water.

There are about 500 small industrial units in the area which still emit pollution. 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.

The plain at the mouth of the river was the site of the Battle of the Sarno, fought in 1460.