Rainwater harvesting is the collection of rainwater for later use. It maintains underground water tables, provides water during drought, and reduces soil erosion. The most basic technique involves collecting roof runoff in gutters that channel water into storage. Subsurface dykes and check dams are also used to store water. Rainwater harvesting is common in parts of China, Brazil, Bermuda, the UK, Australia, Senegal, Myanmar, and various regions in India for drinking water, irrigation, livestock, and maintaining water tables.