Statistics for Parametric studies were carried out to analyse the effect on sea water intrusion of freshwater recharge through a finite width strip parallel to the coast. A vertically integrated one-dimensional finite element model was used for this purpose. The studies included the analysis of the effect of location, width, intensity and the period of recharge on sea water-freshwater interface motion. Relationships were established between the interface motion and the recharge parameters applicable to wide ranging practical cases. From the studies, the ideal location for recharge was identified to achieve the maximum repulsion of intrusion. The width of recharge also affects the interface motion and the widths greater than 2% of the initial intrusion length were effective in controlling the intrusion. The results indicated that the reduction of intrusion up to 30% could be achieved through strip recharge. © 2001 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.