Additional uses Dams have a multitude of uses. Among them are hydroelectricity, groundwater recharge, water supply, flood control, sewage diversion, irrigation, water diversion, water treatment, recreation and tidal barriers. The most common applications are for expanding the capacity of existing dams and replacing older dam structures. Inflatable dams are best used in small to medium sized watercourses where width is much greater than height. They can easily attach to any side slope and are relatively simple to install.
Inflatable dams have low maintenance requirements and high longevity.
Unlike other dam designs, these dams have few moving parts which means there is less lubrication, replacement and repair costs and less corrosion. In the southwest climate of Rio Salado, the dams are warrantied for 30 years. The City of Tempe purchased eight dams from Bridgestone for the Tempe Town Lake. It took a full year of the plant's capacity to produce and ship these from the plant in Japan. Inflatable dam technology has been available for 30 years and more than 2,200 inflatable dams are in use around the world.