One person died and four others were admitted to the government hospital here on Tuesday with the symptoms of diarrhoea and dysentery. More than a dozen people were treated as outpatients. They fell sick after consuming water supplied through the pipeline, especially at Avarapakkam . However, Chief Medical Officer Thangaraj ruled out an outbreak of cholera. The deceased was S. Arumugham, 37. Meharaj Begum, 29, Jothi, 23, and Arumugham, 60, were treated for diarrhoea, and Kiliammal, 65, for dysentery. Arumugham, a liquor addict of the same area, developed complications and died while being taken to hospital. It was yet to be confirmed whether the death was due to the consumption of contaminated water. Residents alleged that the quality of water had aggravated the condition of Arumugham. On information, a medical team was dispatched to Avarapakkam to take preventive measures. Dr. Saravanan of the Olakkur primary health centre, who was part of the team, told The Hindu that preliminary reports indicated that the people suffered after drinking impure water. Several water pipes were passing through the open sewerage and, at some places, the pipes had developed leaks, leaving room for sewage to mix with water. Most of these connections seemed illegal, Dr. Saravanan said. Chlorine tablets were put into water sources, and disinfectants sprayed. Denying contamination, municipal chairman Bhoopalan said the Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board was handling the supply. After the incident, the entire pipeline was checked, but no damage was noticed. Almost the entire municipal staff was mobilised to clean up the place, and at least 10 lorries were pressed into service to remove the garbage.