Dr Mukta Sapkota

Summary:

Dr Mukta Sapkota is eWater’s Principal Hydrologist, where she leads modelling projects, advances tools such as eWater MUSIC and Source, and mentors’ practitioners in applying them effectively. With a passion for connecting science, software, and people, Dr Sapkota helps governments, communities, and industries make informed decisions about water management in the face of climate change, urbanisation, and growing demand.

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For Dr Mukta Sapkota, water has always been more than a subject of study – it’s a passion, a source of connection, and the thread that ties communities, cities, and ecosystems together. That passion led her from a civil engineering degree in Nepal to a career shaping water management solution across Australia and beyond.

Today, as Principal Hydrologist at eWater Group, Mukta combines technical leadership, mentoring, and collaboration to ensure our modelling tools and expertise continue to make a real difference.

Her role is as much about people as it is about models. Mukta leads hydrological modelling projects across urban and river systems, supports the ongoing development of eWater’s flagship tools such as eWater MUSIC™ and eWater Source™, and helps clients apply them in practice. Just as importantly, she works to build capacity in the sector, mentoring practitioners and making sure they have the confidence and skills to use these tools effectively.

“It’s a role that balances technical leadership with mentoring and collaboration,” she explains. “I help ensure our models are rigorous and accessible, while supporting others to grow in their use.”

“Hydrology is both technical and deeply human,” she says. “The models I work on aren’t just numbers; they’re about rivers flowing, wetlands thriving, and communities having secure water supplies.”

From curiosity to career

Mukta’s journey into hydrology began during her civil engineering studies. While many of her peers leaned towards structural engineering, she was drawn to water projects that felt collaborative and impactful.

“It was a turning point,” she recalls. “I realised that water is where my real passion is.”

That realisation shaped her master’s research at the Asian Institute of Technology, where she explored water-sensitive urban infrastructure and how designs like rainwater tanks and retention ponds could restore urban water cycles.

Later, her PhD deepened this work and introduced her to eWater’s tools. She used the Urban Developer model in her research and went on to teach Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), running practical sessions with eWater MUSIC™ software. The experience confirmed her interest in combining science, modelling, and teaching to make water systems more sustainable.

Joining eWater was a natural next step.

Tackling today’s water challenges

The challenges facing hydrologists today are immense. Climate change is driving more frequent floods, droughts, and unpredictable rainfall, while urbanisation is putting greater pressure on already stretched systems. Add to that the competing demands of agriculture, industry, and environmental flows, and the complexity of managing water sustainably only grows.

“Our job is to provide the tools and expertise to simulate these complex systems, test scenarios, and help people make informed choices,” Mukta says. “It’s about bringing science, software, and people together.”

Mukta and the wider hydrology team help navigate this complexity through modelling. In simple terms, hydrological models let governments, authorities, utilities, and consultants ask, “what if?” They can test scenarios such as climate change impacts, population growth, or new infrastructure, and explore how rivers, cities, and water supply systems might respond.

Good modelling, she notes, isn’t about making things as complicated as possible.

“People often think that more detailed models give better answers. But what matters is capturing the right processes, understanding assumptions, and calibrating the model well. Sometimes a simpler model provides more reliable insights.”

Real-world impact

Mukta has seen how this approach translates into meaningful outcomes. One standout example is her work in Karnataka, India, where eWater helped develop Source river system models across six river basins. The project not only improved water availability planning but also built local capacity by training government engineers, consultants, and university staff.

“That local ownership ensured the benefits lasted well beyond the project,” Mukta explains. “It’s rewarding to see our tools empower people to solve challenges in their own contexts.”

Inspiring the next generation

Mukta is passionate about attracting more young people into hydrology. With climate change and growing populations placing water under increasing pressure, the need for fresh ideas and talent has never been greater.

She believes the next generation will need not only strong technical skills, but also systems thinking and the ability to connect science with policy and community needs. At eWater, she plays an active role in nurturing young professionals through mentoring, training, and collaboration with universities.

Her advice to students and early-career professionals is simple:

“Be curious, be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to learn from other disciplines. Hydrology is about the whole system, and the more perspectives you bring, the better your solutions.”

Looking ahead

Mukta is excited about the future of hydrology at eWater, particularly the modernisation of MUSIC and Source, and the increasing integration of urban, rural, and environmental systems in response to climate change. She sees hydrology becoming more flexible, user-friendly, and embedded in decision-making across sectors.

For her personally, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing the direct, positive impact of her work.

“It’s meaningful to know that what we do supports sustainable outcomes for communities and the environment. And working alongside talented colleagues and partners who share the same vision makes the work inspiring.”

Dr Sapkota’s passion for water extends beyond her professional life too.

Growing up near rivers, she still finds calm and connection in being close to water. Whether visiting a new city or returning to familiar places, she is drawn to rivers and lakes, reminders of why her work matters so deeply.