Watering plants with rainwater, instead of water from city reservoirs, has a number of positive benefits: it increases populations of beneficial soil microbes, which can be harmed by the chlorine that is added to municipal water, and it prevents too much salt buildup in the soil. Rainwater is the right pH and, if stored properly, it is clean and readily available for use. One of the best reasons for setting up a home rainwater collection system is that rain water is free.

A simple rain barrel connected to the end of each downspout provides many gallons of water every time it rains. An inch of rainfall on a 1,000 foot impermeable surface yields about 500 gallons of water. There are numerous types of rain barrels available, ranging from higher end oak wine barrels to 55 gallon plastic drums. These commercially made barrels cost between $40 and $150 depending on the composition of the barrel and the accompanying additions.

It can be expected that home rainwater collection systems will be a trend on the rise, as fresh water becomes more scarce, and as homeowners make conscious and well-informed decisions to green their homes and gardens by collecting rain water.