In this decade, electrospun membrane based water purification system is an emerging area of research. Electrospun nanofibrous membranes offer a multitude of interesting features such as high specific surface area, high porosity, excellent functionalization ability and good mechanical behavior. This review deals with a detailed description of recent research works in non-woven electrospun water purification membranes. The roles, fabrication procedures, and purification mechanism of various hydrophobic and hydrophilic electrospun polymeric water purification membranes have been categorized and explained. Electrospun polymeric membrane employed under both adsorption and filtration principles have been classified and elucidated in detail. Enhancement of membrane properties by incorporation of inorganic nanofillers, blending with polymers, surface modification, and the use of thin film nanocomposite membranes is also discussed.