Ardis Pond Dam, located in Sumter, South Carolina, was completed in 1800 and stands at a height of 11 feet with a length of 400 feet. This private-owned earth dam, primarily used for recreation purposes, impounds the waters of Lee Swamp, providing a surface area of 30 acres and a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance, the dam is currently in poor condition with a low hazard potential, prompting concerns for its structural integrity and safety.

The dam, regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), undergoes regular inspections with a frequency of 5 years. The most recent assessment in March 2021 revealed the dam's poor condition, highlighting the urgent need for maintenance and repairs to mitigate the very high risk associated with its current state. With its controlled spillway and buttress core type, Ardis Pond Dam presents a unique opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to advocate for sustainable management practices and preservation efforts to safeguard this historic structure and its surrounding ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.