Provided is a method for treating or preventing peritonitis by administering atherapeutically effective amount of an oxidative reduction potential (ORP) watersolution that is stable for at least about twenty-four hours. The ORP water solutionadministered in accordance with the invention can be combined with one or moresuitable carriers and can be administered in conjunction with one or more additionaltherapeutic agents. Further provided is a method for preventing peritonealhemorrhage, adhesions and abscesses.