UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

April 28, 2009

ECOLAB INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

1-9328

41-0231510

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

(Commission

File Number)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

370 Wabasha Street North, Saint Paul, Minnesota		55102
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

1-800-232-6522

(Not applicable)

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13a-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CRF 240.13e-4(c))

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On April 28, 2009, Ecolab Inc. (“Ecolab”) announced earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009. A copy of the News Release issued by Ecolab in connection with this report under Item 2.02 is attached as Exhibit (99) and incorporated by reference herein. Ecolab also will publish the News Release on its website located at www.ecolab.com.

In the News Release dated April 28, 2009, Ecolab discloses non-GAAP pro forma diluted earnings per share, which exclude special gains and charges and discrete tax items for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. Ecolab’s management believes that disclosing this non-GAAP financial measure helps investors understand underlying business performance because it facilitates the comparison of current and prior period operating results by eliminating the effect of non-recurring items.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

The following exhibit is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and should not be deemed to be “filed” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(99) Ecolab Inc. News Release dated April 28, 2009.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	ECOLAB INC.


Date: April 28, 2009	By:	/s/Michael C. McCormick
		Michael C. McCormick
		Assistant Secretary

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description	Method Of Filing

(99)	Ecolab Inc. News Release dated April 28, 2009.	Filed herewith electronically.