An aeration control valve system may be used with a water treatment system to control aeration and flow of water in accordance with various operating cycles. The aeration control valve system causes air to be pumped or drawn into the water treatment system during an air charge cycle to provide an air charge for aerating the water to facilitate water treatment. The aeration control valve system releases the air during an air release cycle without requiring a backwash cycle. In one embodiment, the aeration control valve system includes a control valve unit configured for connection to a brine tank but instead fluidly coupled to an air intake inlet and an air release outlet for supplying and releasing air, respectively, when the valve cycle actuator is in the brine position and brine tank fill position, respectively.