Amanda - check your local craigslist for rain barrels and supplies. I often see them here (where rainwater collection is HUGE) but I also used to see them in NC...so it might be an option for you, too.

We don't have a system set up yet, but we do have a shallow well/cistern with a pump that waters our property (garden, orchard and lawn). We still need to build a bigger shelter for our goats before the winter rains start, so we plan to use a metal or fiberglass roof and put a rain barrel out there. Then we can use that water for the goats and chickens to drink (as well as for the garden). Eventually, we want to use rainwater for the toilets too - but that's a future project for us...

Our challenge is storage. There is no shortage of rain between October and May, but July through most of September is bone dry here (as in NO rain). We need to figure out how to make the water we collect all winter last (safely) for use all summer!