Methods and compositions for removing organics solubilized in a water-like
fluid (WSO), such as the water produced in connection with the production
of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations, are described. Hydrophilic
.alpha.-hydroxy-monocarboxylic acids (AHAs), such as hydroxyacetic
(glycolic) acid, alone or optionally together with anionic polymers, have
been found to be effective. The compositions and methods of this invention
have reduced corrosion and scale formation problems as compared with other
methods employing stronger acids to remove WSO. The AHAs have pK.sub.a 's
of greater than 3.8.
