An improved mathematical model is presented which will predict the initial minimum dilution and terminal rise height of wastewater discharged from ocean outfalls into density stratified water flowing at an arbitary direction and speed. Solutions are derived for discharge into linearly stratified water, based on three-dimensional experimental work on line plumes in unstratified currents. The effects of current speed, direction, stratification and type of nozzle are discussed, and the model predictions are compared to laboratory experiments.