Ward Lake Dam-Sect. 7, also known as Virgil Ward Lake 2, is a private earth dam located in Bates, Missouri, near Papinsville. Built in 1971, this dam primarily serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with additional purposes including recreation. The dam has a height of 19 feet and a length of 630 feet, providing a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet.

Situated on the TR-Miami Creek, Ward Lake Dam-Sect. 7 is considered to have a significant hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet, and no outlet gates are present.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique characteristics of Ward Lake Dam-Sect. 7 make it an intriguing structure to study and monitor. Its location in a rural area and its importance for wildlife habitat and recreation underscore the importance of ensuring its safety and integrity for the surrounding community and ecosystem. Further research and assessment of the dam's condition and risk management measures may be necessary to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure its long-term sustainability.