Submission must have a width of 18" or less. Space is a rare commodity when it comes to properties, particularly those of small family and single person homes. Standard barrels are bulky, and require flat sturdy ground to remain stable and upright with the full weight of tens of gallons of water. They also need to be placed somewhere that water will flow towards already, such as a gutter downspout. All of these requirements together means that finding a suitable location for the rainwater storage tank that has enough space, and doesn't obstruct access to other parts of the property, can be a serious obstacle. Decreasing the footprint of the collection system so that it will fit on narrow walkways, lanais, and small yards will make it easier to find room for installation, and make rainwater collection accessible to more and more homes.

While collected rainwater tends to be safer and cleaner than surface water sources like rivers and streams, there are still risks associated with the use of untreated rainwater collected from a roof-top rain harvesting system. Rain collects particulates and contaminants in the air as it falls to the earth, and it accumulates additional pathogens and pollution from the impervious surfaces it flows over. Dirt, dust, leaves, bugs, and animals such as rats, cats, lizards and birds can end up on the roofs of buildings. Since these roofs are being used as a funnel to capture this rainwater, these contaminants can and do end up in the collected water.