Richard, My name is tom hanley and I live in "the old west" i.e.
Dallas, Texas. I had similar problems getting rain water until I
developed an automatic system. I'll just describe mine which you can
adapt. First I found a natural drainage point from an elevated
surface. In this case most of the rain water draining off our family
travel camper seeks the lowest point (a corner). Then I got a large
funnel and mounted it beneath this point. Find a open pore sponge and
cut it to shape to fit in the funnel (this will keep your collected
water cleaner, but check it for buildup occasionally). Next I got a 32
gallon rubbermaid trash can on wheels with top. Costs about 9$ US. I
ran a 5/8" hose from the funnel through a hole drilled in the top of
the lid. While this sounds obvious the next step is important. You now
have the first "module". Each trash can you add is a module. To make
this work you must run another hose from the bottom of one can, out
through the top and into the top of the next down to the bottom. When
one can is full enough, use the hose to start a siphon (both ends of
the hose must stay submerged. I have 4 modules linked together this
way to give 128 gallons of water. What is important is that you don't
lift a finger once set up. as long as the hoses stay under water so
the siphons aren't broken, all the containers are topped off when it
rains. Next I got a cheap bilge pump from a fishing store and put it
in the last module . This is powered by a motorcycle battery with a
deadman's switch so vandals could not turn it on and leave it
draining. I chose a battery so that I didnt have to run electricity to
the spot, I just recharge the battery. I could also keep it trickle
charged with a solor panel (maybe someday!) When I need water in my
bog, the pump is used to send water via a hose I keep hooked there.
Let me know how this sound to you
good luck-tom