Abstract: An aeration control valve system with a bypass gas release passage may be used with an aerated water treatment system to control aeration and flow of water and gas (e.g., air or ozone) in accordance with various operating cycles. The aeration control valve system causes gas to be pumped or drawn into the water treatment system during a gas charge or draw cycle to provide a gas charge for aerating the water to facilitate water treatment. The aeration control valve system releases the gas during a gas release cycle while allowing the water treatment system to remain “in service” to continue to treat the water. To allow gas release when water is flowing during service, the bypass gas release passage is located external to or within the aeration control valve system and bypasses a flow region of the water that flows during service.