This paper investigates the efficiency of artificial recharge of aquifers with treated wastewater using a surface basin (pond) system to control seawater intrusion (SWI) in coastal aquifers and to increase their safe yield. First a hypothetical case study of an unconfined aquifer is simulated. The effects of the artificial recharge system on inland advancement of saline water in a real case study (Wadi Ham aquifer in the UAE ) are outlined in another application. The numerical model of the Wadi Ham aquifer is developed based on the available hydrogeological data in real scale. The 3D variable-density flow and transport numerical models of both case studies are solved using the finite element method. The transient progress of saline water before and after the recharge event is presented in both case studies. Both systems initially suffered from aggressive inland encroachment of saline water due to pumping. However, by implementation of the recharge pond, the treated wastewater starts to infiltrate towards the groundwater table and consequently it helps to alleviate the saltwater intrusion. The results highlight that lower equi-concentration lines are generally more sensitive to recharge and abstraction events.