[header] How to collect rain water [title] Collect run-off water in rain barrels, or even large polyethylene, wood or fiberglass tanks. [substeps] Rain barrels are containers that can be bought at your local hardware or home improvement store, or you can make one yourself. Rain barrels are made from plastic and are positioned below down spouts to collect water that runs off of the roof. 
They have a spout at the bottom to release water. You can connect a garden hose to the valve and use the water in other areas of your yard.