At the flood peak on Saturday, the Taieri River's flow at Outram was the third highest since records began in 1968.
It reached 1200cumecs, but after the rain eased on Saturday afternoon it dropped steadily, as did other rivers in the catchment.
Flood warnings remained in place for the Taieri, Shag, Waitahuna and Kakanui Rivers.
Otago Regional Council duty flood manager Mike Goldsmith said it would take several days for water levels on the Taieri Plain - and the river itself - to recede.
The flood scheme's pumps were working to remove water from the ponding areas and staff were monitoring them.
In the 24 hours from noon on Friday, 79mm fell at Dunedin International Airport, 68mm fell in the city and 36mm at Oamaru.
PEAK FLOWS - TAIERI RIVER
Year / Flow (cumecs)
2010 May 26: - 953
2010 May 29: - 1200
2007 - 1066
1994 - 1065
1993 - 1467
1980 - 2526*
1978 - 1069
1972 - 978
*(largest flood in 42 years of records)
Source: ORC
PEAK FLOWS ON SATURDAY
River/Flow (cumecs)
Waipori River - 104
Silver Stream - 130
Tokomairiro River - 84
Waitahuna River - 95
Shag River - 260
Kakanui River - 440
Waikouaiti River - 81
Source: ORC
