Methods of temporarily reducing the permeability of one or more selected
sections of a subterranean formation penetrated by a horizontal well bore
and the flow of water or water and hydrocarbons or hydrocarbons therefrom
are provided. The methods comprise the steps of preparing or providing an
aqueous treating fluid comprising water and a water-soluble formation
permeability reducing agent, introducing the aqueous treating fluid into
one or more selected sections and when required, contacting the one or
more selected sections with an aqueous treating fluid comprising water
and a formation permeability restoring chemical.