A water filter assembly and water filter element are provided. The water filter element has water permeable barriers through which water is to be passed in use in order to purify same. The permeable barrier comprises a nanofibre layer defining nanopores which may be carried by a permeable support layer. The water filter element, in one form, includes an enclosure housing at least one of granular activated carbon, at least one appropriate ion exchange resin and at least one appropriate adsorbent. The nanofibers preferably have antimicrobial properties inherent thereto or provided by a biocidal agent trapped within the nanofibres or a layer thereof, or both. The water filter assembly has a perforated holder that operatively snugly receives the water filter element in a flow path through the water filter assembly. Preferably, the perforated holder has a screw threaded socket for attaching it to a container.