When water is added to white copper sulfate (anhydrous copper sulfate, CuSO₄), the following happens:

1. Dissolution: The anhydrous copper sulfate dissolves in water, forming an aqueous solution of copper sulfate.

2. Hydration: The copper sulfate molecules in solution react with water molecules, forming copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO₄•5H₂O). This process is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.

3. Color Change: The solution turns from white to blue. This is because the anhydrous copper sulfate is white, while the hydrated copper sulfate pentahydrate is blue.

Here's the chemical equation:

CuSO₄ (s) + 5H₂O (l) → CuSO₄•5H₂O (aq)

In summary: Adding water to white copper sulfate results in its dissolution, hydration, and a dramatic color change from white to blue, due to the formation of copper sulfate pentahydrate.