an expedient way to collect rain water if you have gutters.. knock the end cap off if you have end gable roof, or make a short connector for you down spout with a hip roof... I use a 33gal plastic trash can... let the early rain get a chance to clean off the roof before placing the can... I fill a similar trash can in my shower stall with tap water... a .1 micron Sawyer 5gal bucket filter and pool shock complete my water system... I store about 17gal in containers plus a case or so of bottled water year round