Abstract: A method of inhibiting dissolution of the gravel pack and/or erosion of the formation standstone in a well bore subject to water or steam injection. The method includes the addition of a material to the surface of the gravel or formation which is capable of adhering to such surfaces and forming a tenacious water-repellent film. The film is monomolecular and hydrophobic. The active ingredient in the chemical treatment is commercial soybean lecithin. The material is added to the surfaces by injecting a liquid solution of the chemical down the annulus of the well during steaming and/or physically precoating the gravel pack by soaking it in a liquid solution of the chemical.