Entrepreneur's Latest Successful Idea: Cleaning Water with Minnesota Moss

There are a lot of items on Dr. David Knighton's "to-do" list, but retirement isn't one of them. At 61, he is at the top of his game, still generating new ideas, products and businesses, and enjoying everything from piloting his own aircraft to tooling around on his tractor.

Although he started as a surgeon, Knighton has added several titles over the years, including entrepreneur, researcher, writer, inventor, wound-healing expert and ... the list goes on. The titles have one thing in common: Knighton's passionate drive to create things that help people.

Anyone else might consider this mission accomplished, especially since a friend added up all the people he's helped over the years and the list topped one million. And that was on his 50th birthday.

But for Knighton, it's all about putting his talents to good use.

"You could be the smartest researcher, but if you're not helping someone, you haven't finished your work. I want to do something; not just write about it. That's why I've created a situation where my creativity can be used to actually do the things that I want. "

From doctor to entrepreneur

At age 12, Knighton knew he wanted to be a surgeon.

"I liked taking things apart," he said. Lucky for him, he is also adept at putting things back together. After spending time as a vascular surgeon and cellular-biology researcher, he started inventing medical devices and procedures, including a method of harvesting veins for use in heart-bypass operations and issues related to varicose veins and orthopedics.

Knighton went on to found Curative Technologies, which addresses wound-care issues and other businesses focused on biomedical research and product development.

A few years ago, Knighton began exploring the healing properties of moss, used to sterilize wounds before the invention of antibiotics. If moss could heal wounds and keep Northern Minnesota lakes clean, he wondered what it could do for pools and spas. He realized he was on to something when he threw some sterilized moss into his home spa and, within two weeks, the water was clean and felt "like velvet. "

That led him to found Creative Water Solutions, which markets water-conditioning systems.

"This has been a fantastic experience because I didn't know much about the pool/spa industry. But when I looked at it from a surgeon's and scientific point of view, I became curious and started to look at ways to solve a problem," he said.

From treating patients to water

The "problem" includes the home and commercial use of too much chlorine - a strong-smelling chemical that impacts everyone from asthma sufferers to swimmers who aren't fond of green hair. By using a specific species of moss, Knighton aims to keeps thousands of swimming pools and spas clean while drastically reducing the use of chlorine and other harsh chemicals.

The patented treatment system has been sold for home pools since 2007 and was tested in its first public pool in St. Paul in 2009 with great results. Knighton created a unique system for his home that filters all incoming water, prompting visitors to ask him where he gets his great-tasting spring water.

People are surprised to learn that the clean water is due to moss. But according to Knighton, moss treatment inhibits the formation of bacterial colonies called biofilms, which stick to pool surfaces and coat the inside of pipes, causing corrosion. As biofilm disappears from the pool with the use of moss, less chlorine is required.

"Clean, potable water is the principle of life," Knighton said. That's why part of his company's mission is to continue to develop and market plant-based, ecologically sustainable and scientifically researched water conditioning products that enhance people's lives and minimize environmental impact.

And, just as his company's name implies, Knighton continues to research other creative applications for moss-treated water. He is targeting spa manufacturers who fill their spas with water for testing in the factory. Some of the water remains in the spas, which means homeowners could receive spas with a layer of biofilm before they are even used. A trial with one manufacturer reduced the initial biofilm by 95 percent.

He is also exploring the use of moss-treated water at poultry farms to see if there are any changes in the quality of eggs and meat. He's even made a diaper with moss that absorbs more urine and prevents diaper rash.

He believes the possibilities of using Creative Water Solutions to improve all types of water are endless. Just like his ever-growing list of new ideas.