Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr Trutnev, we have recently talked a great deal, and with good reason, about the difficulties caused by current temperatures across the European part of Russia. We have been talking about fire fighting, resolving social problems for people who find themselves in difficulties as a result of the situation and agricultural issues. But there is one more group of issues that requires our particular attention. This is guaranteeing the water supply to people and economic entities.

Yury Trutnev: Mr Putin, the situation at water supply facilities is rather strained. Today we have 78% of the normal available flow, so almost a quarter has been lost. The reasons are clear: evaporation caused by the extremely hot weather, the sharp increase in water consumption for fire fighting and watering, the virtual absence of any extra lateral inflow, as there has been no rain. And, unfortunately, I must add that due to the condition of our housing and utilities infrastructure we lose between 35% and 40% of water en route to the consumers.

This had been forecast, so we created a reserve of water in the reservoirs beforehand, as having a water reserve is the only way of counteracting it. Today there is enough water in Russian reservoirs to satisfy the needs of the economy and our people in full. Today the usable capacity is 80%, compared to 81% on the same date last year. There is some kind of unbalance here. It is shown here on the map (shows the map). The situation is most strained at the Kuibyshev water reserve.

Vladimir Putin: Strained - in terms of water volumes?

Yury Trutnev: Strained in volume terms, and in terms of decreased levels in the water reserves. We have no serious problems regarding water volumes. Today we are using up to 4% of the aqueous run-off. Our reserves are more than sufficient. Nonetheless, there are problems connected with the need to improve the housing and utilities infrastructure and water diversion systems. We need to work on this. The Russian regions were informed of this in advance. The Ministry of Regional Development was also informed and is working on this issue. Today problems are only arising where the water supply is decentralised and where people in small communities use water from wells. There is nothing much we can do about the amount of water there.

Vladimir Putin: Good. Do you think that extra measures are needed?

Yury Trutnev: Mr Putin, I think yes, some extra measures are needed. Unless the extreme heat lasts more than a month and a half, we will not face any serious problems. But we do need to prepare as nature has big surprises in store for us, as is seen from the report on climatic changes. Therefore we need to make floating water intake facilities, like those installed in the Republic of Bashkortostan, which will enable us to work at any level. Or we should deepen the ordinary water intake facilities, based on the fact that we could see lower levels in water reservoirs and, accordingly we need a new level to service housing and utilities infrastructure.

Vladimir Putin: Please, prepare your proposals so that I am able to give the corresponding instructions for discussion to the relevant government agencies.

Yury Trutnev: Ok, Mr Putin.