Nano-materials and thin films have immense potential in supporting various applications such as purifying water resources, treating water-borne diseases, detecting pollutants through sensors, and most importantly, preventing water contamination. However, providing contamination-free water for healthy living remains a challenging issue, as many parts of the world are facing severe water scarcity and pollution problems. This could lead to reduced food production, an increase in water-borne diseases, and fewer freshwater resources. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches that can provide safe drinking water and reduce global water pollution by enhancing natural water resources and creating new opportunities. This article provides a comprehensive review of the role of nanotechnology in remedying toxic aqueous waste, focusing on three major categories of nano-materials: catalysts, membranes, and filtration. Emerging technologies such as thin films, thin film composites, thin film dryers, and hybrid membranes are discussed in detail for their potential in wastewater management. The review includes nano-photocatalysts, membranes, adsorbents, and dryers, along with an analysis of their risks and future prospects. As there are limited resources available on these techniques, this overview aims to provide maximum coverage and promote further advancements in existing technologies.