Rain barrels are one of the easiest ways to get started with rainwater harvesting. This system involves placing a barrel at the bottom of a gutter downspout to collect rain from your roof. You can use a repurposed container or purchase a ready-made rain barrel. Rain barrels are easy to set up and an affordable option. 

That said, rain barrels do have a limited storage capacity—usually less than a couple hundred gallons. In heavy Central Texas downpours, barrels often fill quickly and overflow, which means missed opportunities to save more water.

Still, a rain barrel is a good option as an introduction into rainwater harvesting. It’s a low-risk, low-cost first step toward using rain as a resource and conserving groundwater.

A dry system works a lot like a basic rain barrel setup but is designed to hold a much larger amount of water. It gets its name because the collection pipe drains completely, or “dries out”, after each rain, as water flows directly into the top of the storage tank.

This is a great option for Central Texas, where rain tends to come in short, intense bursts rather than frequent light showers. With a dry system, you can store more water when it does rain and make better use of those bigger storm events.

Compared to a basic rain barrel, a dry system is a bit more expensive and typically needs to be installed close to your home. If the pipes are too small for the size of the tank or the intensity of the rain, they can become overwhelmed—leading to backflow or overflow that wastes water.

Even with those considerations, dry systems offer a solid balance between capacity, simplicity, and cost—making them a smart option for people who want to expand their rainwater collecting abilities. 

Wet systems are a highly efficient way to collect rainwater, especially for homes with downspouts on multiple sides. This setup uses underground pipes to connect several downspouts to a single storage tank, allowing you to capture up to 90% of your roof’s runoff. Because the piping is hidden, wet systems preserve your home’s appearance and allow the tank to be placed away from the house—as long as it’s lower than your gutters.

This system works well in warm climates like Central Texas, where freezing is rare. However, installation is more expensive due to the underground piping and complex design. It also requires regular maintenance to prevent standing water, which can lead to mosquitoes or bacteria if not managed properly.

Wet systems are a great option for maximizing collection—just be sure there’s enough elevation difference between your gutters and the tank inlet to make it work effectively.