Drinking water scarcity is an ever-increasing global concern, particularly for countries lacking access to seawater resources or rivers, where brackish water represents the primary available source. Brackish water often contains a complex mixture of impurities, salts, and mineral elements, and its treatment is further complicated by the presence of landfill leachates, agricultural contaminants (such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), and rural pollution. As a result, there is a critical need to develop effective purification methods. Among the available technologies, membrane based desalination has emerged as a leading solution, with membrane separation accounting for more than half of the global desalination capacity. Polymeric membranes along with ceramic and composite alternatives are widely used in brackish water treatment due to their high selectivity, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. To improve water flux and reduce fouling, inorganic materials are often embedded into polymeric solutions, including nanofiber and nanomaterial enhanced membranes. This review focuses on water challenges and brackish water distribution in Egypt, offering a comprehensive analysis of membrane technologies, including materials, fabrication techniques, fouling behavior, membrane modules, and filtration processes. Furthermore, it highlights the main types of polymeric membranes reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), ultrafiltration (UF), and microfiltration (MF) and assesses their effectiveness in removing common contaminants. Recent advancements in membrane materials and hybrid treatment systems are also explored, providing insight into emerging trends and future directions for sustainable brackish water treatment.