A water absorbing composition includes a particle having a core of a water-swelling material. A coating substantially surrounds the core that temporarily prevents contact of water with the water-swelling material. The coating may be formed from a layer of water degradable material or a non-water-degradable, non-water absorbent encapsulating layer. A quantity of particles including delayed water-swelling particles formed at least in part from a water-swelling material and, optionally, non-water-swelling particles of the same or different size distributions can be used in treating a formation penetrated by a wellbore. A slurry of the particles is formed with a carrier fluid. The slurry of particles is introduced into the wellbore of the formation to facilitate treatment.