Water is a key ecological factor for lowland forest ecosystems. Anthropogenic impacts on the hydrology of lowland forest ecosystems are a common subject of research and are associated with negative phenomena in these ecosystems, such as reduced biodiversity, decreased vitality, andthe absence of seed production in lowland forest tree species. The construction of drainage canals is one way humans impact lowland forest ecosystems. Deep drainage canals lower the groundwater level, thereby increasingdrought stress inforests. Shallow drainage canals in stands are used to drain excess floodwater from the stands. This can have a positive effect on young stands and stands in the process of regeneration, especially in case floodwater is present during the vegetation period. However, the potential negative effects of such canals on forest ecosystems are still not sufficiently researched. In this study, trends in watercourses in the lowland forests of the Draganićki lugovi area were analysed. Two experimental plots were set up in two pedunculate oak stands, one with shallow drainage canals presentandtheotherwithout.Thedimensionsand water levelsofthese canals were measured. The microclimate of the soil and the stand were measured in both stands. Statistical analysis showed a significant trend of decreasing water levels in the watercourses of that area. Differences in the dimensions of different types of canals present in the stand were determined. A statistically significant difference in volumetric water content of soil was also found between the two stands, with the difference being greatest at soil depths that correspond to the depths of the canals in the stand. The water balance analysis did not reveal a water deficit, which maybe due to the above-average amount of rainfall and floodwater in the research period. The results of the research indicate the negative effect of shallow drainage canals on soil moisture in the stand, which can become increasingly apparent during the drier part of the vegetation period. However, the benefits these canals provide were also considered, and some measures were proposed to retain the positive effects of the canals while mitigating the negative ones.