Talc is a kind of magnesium silicate, which have stable chemical property, a large surface area with special layered structure, and unique pore-structure. It has been wildly used in various fields including papermaking, coating, automotive industry and so on. In recent years, talcum powder has been successfully applied to sewage treatment because of its lipophilic-hydrophobic property, excellent adsorption property, rich reserves and low cost. There are relevant researches that the talcum powder has been used as a coagulant, coagulant aid, filter aid, adsorbent or oil absorbent. The physical and chemical properties of talc were introduced in this paper. Then the newest research on talcum powder used in papermaking wastewater, oily wastewater, dye wastewater, aromatic organic wastewater and heavy metal ions wastewater were reviewed. Meanwhile the modification methods of talcum powder in water treatment were summarized. And the advantages and disadvantages on the talcum powder used in treatment of various wastewaters were evaluated. Finally, some suggestions are provided for the relevant research and the developments, which are expected in the future.