A compact shower water filter assembly for holding a water filter element therein. The water filter element is easily changeable by unscrewing two halves of a body forming the filter assembly. The body halves are easily gripped and turned, so as to be opened or closed. The upper half of the body is internally threaded to engage the shower arm, and may pivot about the shower arm. The bottom half of the water filter assembly may include a showerhead, converting the shower water filter assembly, into a filtered showerhead assembly. The shower water filter assembly may be easily and quickly adapted to be held on any shower arm, and to replace any existing shower water filter without taking up as much room as currently existing shower water filters.