DERBY -- After reading the column on rain barrels, Paul Fiebich wrote via e-mail:

"I have been using such a system for over a year, using three collection points and a combination of recycled barrels, I can collect up to 500 gallons of rainwater. We use the water strictly for lawn, garden, shrubs and trees."

Fiebich also shared his plans, with detailed instructions for how to build a similar system of your own (reprinted with permission).

Update: For more information, you may email Fiebich.