The present invention generally relates to methods for decreasing viscosity, yield stress, or viscosity and yield stress of an asphaltene precipitate-containing aqueous mixture. More specifically, the method comprises applying an effective amount of a water-soluble polymer to an asphaltene precipitate-containing aqueous mixture. The water-soluble polymers comprise polyanion, polycation, and polar water-soluble polymer components. The present invention also relates to water-soluble asphaltene dispersants.