My daughter has just moved into a new house and is trying to cut down on the cost of her water usage.  She said there is a water shortage and everyone needs to try to conserve their wateras much as possible.  She located a couple of english rain barrels and is going to use them for decoration as well as catching all the rain water she can.  I asked her if they come with a cover or how she keeps the water clean.  She told me they come with a lid and all you do is put it next to the gutter where the water will run in and fill it up.