Copper is the ideal material for rain chains because it does not react with water to form rust like other metals, which can be toxic. Your copper rain chain will not affect the quality of the water so it is more sterile for water collection purpose. Moreover, since copper forms a exquisite coloring pattern upon exposure to oxygen, your rain chain will become more beautiful over time. Copper rain chains are easy to install. In order to install a rain chain, you need to hang a copper chain over the barrel which stores water. You simply need to hang the chain from the same hole where the storm gutter pipe comes out. They can be directed toward the ground for proper drainage from your gutters, or they can be directed into a collection basin for water collection.