Effective water purification strategies are essential in addressing the serious global concern of scarce water. Nanomaterials have recently garnered considerable interest due to their excellent chemical, mechanical, physical, and biological properties, making them promising candidates for use in water filtration systems. Nanomaterials, with their high hydrophilicity, surface area, and variable surface characteristics, have shown potential in removing water-based contaminants. This review provides an overview of current developments in the development of nano-membrane materials for filtration systems. We discuss various kinds of nanoplatforms, such as polymeric nanocomposites, MXene nanosheets, metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), carbon nanotubes, metal–organic frameworks, nanofibers, and nanotubes, and their mechanisms of action in removing impurities. Furthermore, we summarize the possibilities and challenges associated with the use of nano-membrane systems, including potential environmental impacts and the need for sustainable and affordable production technologies. Overall, the application of nanomaterials in purifying water shows great potential for providing safe and clean drinking water to people around the world.