Abstract: The inverse opal structure (IO) is a typical spatial structure of photonic crystals. In addition to the interconnected, highly regular, and orderly homoporous structure, IO also has the properties of photonic crystals, including the slow light effect, multiple scattering effects, amplified photon absorption and emission characteristics. In recent years, applications for IO have included homoporous membranes, photonic inks, battery electrodes, sensors, etc. In this paper, we first briefly describe the construction strategy of IO, which is divided into the "three-step method" and "two-step method". Then, the research progress of IO in water treatment fields was summarized in detail, including filtration and screening, efficient adsorption, catalytic degradation, and water quality detection. Finally, the existing limitations and future development trends of IO materials in water treatment fields were elaborated and prospected.