When Richmond residents think of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), they probably think of the water streaming from the faucet in their home. However, Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia says there’s a lot more to the district than just running water. Gioia, who served on the EBMUD board from 1989 to 1998 before being elected as the  supervisor for west Contra Costa County, says EBMUD is valuable to Richmond residents in a number of other ways. The district, which is governed by a seven-member board of directors, sets water rates and is responsible for maintaining water quality and water pressure — something that’s critical for fighting wildfires and coping with other natural disasters. That’s why Gioia encourages voters to not overlook the Ward 3 EBMUD board of directors race on the Nov. 3 ballot.