Orco

Orco
The Orco near Rivarolo Canavese
Orco location within northern Italy
Country	Italy
Basin features
Main source	Gran Paradiso about 2,600 m (8,500 ft)
River mouth	Po at Chivasso
Basin size	889.4 km2 (343.4 sq mi)
Tributaries	Left: Piantonetto, Eugio, Ribordone, Soana, Piova, Malesina Right: Gallenca
Physical characteristics
Length	89.568 km (55.655 mi)
Discharge	Average rate: 23.9 m3/s (840 cu ft/s)

The Orco (Piedmontese: Eva d'òr, that is lit. Water of gold; Latin: Orgus) is an Italian river. It originates in the Piedmontese slopes of Gran Paradiso and after about 90 kilometres (56 mi) reaches the Po river near Chivasso. Its drainage basin is home to the most important complex of hydropower in Piedmont, consisting of five dams: Agnel, Serrù, Ceresole, Piantonetto, Valsoera, and numerous turbines.

The Orco is known also for its gold-bearing sand, extracted already in antiquity. Even today there is a certain activity, on an amateur level, searching for grains of gold.

Coordinates: 45°10′N 7°52′E / 45.167°N 7.867°E / 45.167; 7.867