An index system suitable for the evaluation of water network connection projects in the Dongting Lake area is proposed, which includes 12 key indexes in four factor layers, i. e. , structural connectivity, functional connectivity, ecological and environmental benefits, and socioeconomic benefits. This evaluation method is applied to comprehensively assess the water network connection project in the urban area of Lixian County. The results show that this project is excellent and the evaluated result is consistent with engineering practice. The structure and connectivity pattern of rivers and canals should be further optimized, and the transformation of ecological and environmental benefits to socioeconomic benefits should be promoted.