Final answer:
The y-intercept of the linear model representing the change in height of water in the rain barrel is 33 inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The y-intercept of a linear model represents the starting point or initial value of the dependent variable when the independent variable is zero. In this case, the independent variable is the amount of rainfall in inches, and the dependent variable is the change in the height of water in the rain barrel. Based on the given information, the rain barrel has already collected 2.75 feet of water, which is equivalent to 33 inches. Therefore, the y-intercept of the linear model is 33 inches.