I've thought about rain barrels too, but I worry about mosquitoes.
With the price of city water getting so high combined with the sewer taxes associated with it, I'm thinking a cistern is the way to go.
A person could probably buy a large metal or concrete septic tank, bury it in your yard and run the drains from your gutters to the tank.
Our old farm house used to have diverted in the downspouts to either direct the water to the cistern or to grade.
Of course you would have to deal with city and HOA permits, but it may be worth it.
Let us know if you decide to pursue this thought. 4951