Rainwater for Irrigation and Emergencies

The device in the photo is the legendary rain barrel of song and story, and it's staging a comeback in conservation circles. Is your water metered? do you use that water to irrigate vegetable and ornamental plants? wash the car? wash the dog?
In the rain-starved American midwest, the rain barrel was used for many purposes, including emergency potable water. We don't recommend any potable uses of collected rainwater, but we invite you to calculate the savings and independence of having 50-100 gallons of water at your disposal all the time to supply outdoor and bulk needs. If you're chlorinating your pool, this water can be used. If you're watering your plants, perfect. If you're cleaning off muddy boots, go ahead.
The movement to revive the use of collected rainwater will gain momentum as groundwater becomes more scarce and less pure. And whatever you're paying per cubic foot for the municipal water supply, this water is free, and it's rather clean, and it's soft (minerally speaking). There's a national association at this link.
Observe safety precautions, please. Keep the lid secured, don't let the kids drink out of it or dance on the cover, and if it freezes in your climate, drain before winter sets in.