Counter top Nimrod filter for filtering local city water.

I have a counter top Nimrod filter for filtering local city water, which is probably clean and safe as is. I use it every day, but in 8 months I have only used 20% of the filter's capacity. That is, the Filter Life reading is 80. Can I continue to use the filter for its full life? Can I continue using it until the Filter Life reading is near 0, or is the length of timed used an important issue?

Use it till full capacity or approximately 1000 gallons. CPI100UC (Nimrod, ICP) Countertop Water Filter Installation and Conditioning Instructions>>

After I turn the water off, my Nimrod unit continues to drip water. Is this normal?

The ceramic candle needs cleaning, the drip is caused by back pressure build up in the filter. For cleaning instruction visit the following link: http://www.doultonusa.com/HTML%20pages/cleaning_candle.htm