Ponds aren’t tough to make- depending on topography and size they can be pretty easy.
A small Cat like D4 or D6 will make a pond in short order.
Saluting is right- every time we slow the water cycle on the ground surface we create a system larger than the sun of its parts.
Build the pond(s), plant some cattails and trees, introduce fish- you are well on your way to a solid system.